Without a doubt, this narrow rectangular enclosure is the best protected area of the whole Castle.
It was meant to be the last entrenchment within the Fortress’ ramparts in case of attack.
If you look to your right, you will see a small square opening in the wall, with a wooden door.
This was called, Door of Treason. It was meant to grant a discreet access to the Castle’s inner boundaries.
It allowed the Castle’s defenders to escape enemy sieges without being noticed, or to bring reinforcements without alerting any foes.
On the wall opposite to that opening, you will find two slightly rounded arched doorways leading to a smaller patio: these led to the southern Torre do Paço, or Palace Tower, which was linked to the medieval Royal Palace of the Alcáçova.
We now invite you to climb the stone stairs in front of you, with the white flag pole at its top, and follow a small walking circuit around the Citadel’s walls and its twelve towers, where you’ll have fantastic viewpoints over every part of Lisbon.