You are now at the very center of the Castle of Lisbon.
These massive walls were part of the original “al-qasr”, the square fortress which defended the Moorish city of al-Us̲h̲būna since the 11th century.
As Lisbon became the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, the Citadel was later reinforced by several protective towers and it sheltered the garrison which was posted in the city to defend it from its many enemies. It was also meant to be the last refuge for the royal family in case of siege or attack.
After the Castle ceased harboring the Royal Palace in the 16th century, the Inner Citadel and its dependencies served as military barracks, a prison, and an arms deposit, before being almost totally forgotten.
During the short French occupation of Lisbon in 1807, in the context of the First Napoleonic Invasion of Portugal, general Junot chose the Castle of St George and its citadel as his general headquarters.
After that the site was once again consigned to oblivion, until it was revived by the nationalistic renovation campaign carried out by the Estado Novo in 1940.
Nowadays the Inner Citadel is the stage for many reenactment and cultural representations which show to the visitor several aspects of everyday life during the Middle Ages. Such events usually take place during the weekend, and we truly recommend attending these pieces of live History, which are especially popular among children.
Please keep going along the paved road, towards the big square tower to the left, opposite to the doorway you took to get to this point.