"Castelo de Sao Jorge, 2020" has been awarded the Professional IPA 2023 Official Selection by the prestigious International Photography Awards

This picture was taken with my camera pointed towards the north tower while standing on the north-facing wall. Castelo de Sao Jorge sits atop a hill right near the heart of the historic Alfama district in Lisbon, Portugal. The castle complex consists of the castle itself, some ancillary buildings (including the ruins of the royal palace), gardens, and a large terraced square from which an impressive panorama of Lisbon is visible.

The views from atop are quite spectacular - offering a glimpse of the aforementioned Alfama district, as well as the magnificent Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge spanning the mighty Tagus river. The castle has a long and rich history. It was built by the Moors in the 11th century, and it was later occupied by the Christians. The castle was used as a royal palace for many years, and it was also the site of several important battles. The castle was badly damaged in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, but it was later restored.

Today, Castelo de Sao Jorge is one of Lisbon's most popular tourist attractions. It is open to the public for visits and is a great place to learn about Lisbon's history.