Castelo São Jorge in Lisbon is one of the most fascinating castles in the world.

My grandson Manfred was 2 1/2 years old when I had the privilege of sharing a whole day alone with him.

That was back in 2019 when he and his parents came down from Denmark and stayed with us for Christmas and New Year.

Spending time together with him alone – without his parents and without Annette – just the two of us, was hilarious.

The humor and wisdom you get from these small human beings put things in perspective and makes you rethink what you do and find important.

For instance: Why all this planning?

We had agreed on having a day together in Lisbon. To eliminate all potential obstacles I have made a program without too many hassles: First Castelo, Then the tram 28 to downtown (of course with a pitstop for a Pasteis de Nata). Then the boat to the other side of the river (to climb the statue of Christ). Then the boat back (and a stop for an Ice Cream and a diaper check) and slowly back up to Tings via the playground in Jardim da Cerca da Graça.

That was the plan I have spent days on making.

Once we entered Castelo de São Jorge and Manfred saw this paradise, he got lost in his own fairy tale and fantasy world. Canons to play with, birds everywhere (including nosy and bad smelling peacocks), towers to climb, fountains with cold running water, ice-cream shops and Temple Knights.

But the biggest thrill of them all was the view!

We counted cranes, watched the boats crossing the river, and discussed reasons behind the monuments (“Why is Jesus Standing over there…. ” monuments and played an imaginary game with all the colored roofs and rooftop terraces – using the rules Manfred invented along the way… When he showed him the Castle on top of the mountains in Palmela on the other side of Tejo, Manfred changed the Universe…

I could as well have flushed my super Thomas & Manfred plan in the toilet – not even the world’s biggest ice cream could compete Castelo São Jorge’s medieval fantasy paradise and bring him back to Lisbon anno 2019. Not even the world’s biggest ice cream would make him leave his new canon.

We ended up staying at Castello for 3 hrs!

When we crossed Martim Moniz on our way to the boat to Cristo Rei, Manfred insisted on playing with all the fountains. That took another 2 hours. When he saw the two huge fountains on neighboring Rossio – and discovered Castelo São Jorge on the top of the hill behind him, his imagination took off like a spaceship and flew him above us all so he could get THE BIG PICTURE!

The stories Manfred told us all when we returned to Tings – about how the Fortress was connected to the fountains on Rossio in a system to beat the enemies would make J. J. Tolkien’s flush of envie

Then I realized that the best plan for a day in Lisbon with a 2 1/2 year old kid is NO PLAN AT ALL – especially not with a Medieval Castle within walking distance from your hotel.

In 2022 we spent Christmas together again.

And again we visited Castelo – but this time together with his parents and his 2 years old sister (my granddaughter) Magda.

If it wasn’t because of her and her temper we would all have spent the day here…

With the Atlantic Ocean on the west and Spain to the east, Portugal was always forced to protect its borders. Traveling through the country today, you’ll find numerous strongholds built to prevent invasions from the Spanish and many civilizations before them. The region of Alentejo alone has more than a dozen castles, and there are many more hiding in the northern part of the country around Porto and even close to the capital city of Lisbon. Some have been converted into hotels, while others remain empty, coming alive only during summer festivals. From isolated structures to entire towns enclosed by stone walls, these are the best castles and fortified cities in Portugal.

Fodor's: Joana Taborda | June 22, 2020 Portugal’s 10 Best Castles and Fortified Cities

Lisbon's Castelo São Jorge is one of the most magical castles in the world.

It was a surprise to find only Tomar from Portugal on the list. Personally I find it a bit boring, compared to all the castles I’ve seen here in Portugal: What about my favorite Guimarães? Or Castelo São Jorges just opposite our Miradouro?

We have castles everywhere, and we LOVE visiting them – they always lead us to surprises!

So I decided to list and map the 50 most impressive ones.

If you are planning to go on a road trip and need inspiration – Castle Hunting may be an idea for you.

With more than 50 Castles scattered around a small country like Portugal the distances between each Castle are so short that hour long car rides won’t ‘kill’ you. And the kids won’t lose their patience and reach the level where they terrorize the whole family!

Enjoy your trip.

Thomas