The Castelo de S. Jorge is a Portuguese National Monument and sits high above Lisboa.

The Castle was built by the Moors in the mid-11th century and was the last defensive stronghold for the elite who resided on the citadel. After the first King of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques conquered Lisbon on October 25th, 1147, the Castelo de S. Jorge began its golden age as home for the royalty.

Once the Portuguese kings had transformed the Castelo de S. Jorge into a royal palace in the 13th century, it was chosen to receive many notable Portuguese and foreign figures, as well as hold festivities and coronations during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.

We so enjoyed walking the Castle grounds and the views of Lisboa were simply breathtaking!

I imagined all sorts of grand events being held here…

When Portugal became part of the Spanish Crown in 1580, the Castelo de S. Jorge took on a more important military purpose.

Archaeological research conducted in various areas on the grounds in the late 20th century unearthed remnants of the past which are now on exhibit in the Castle…

The grounds are so very enchanting and peaceful…

Of course all that walking about worked up an appetite..

off we went to Cervejaria Ramiro,  a most famous restaurant in Lisboa …. http://www.cervejariaramiro.pt/ serving some of the most divine seafood on the planet..

Anthony Bourdain  evidently has visited Ramiros and done a piece about their marvelous food  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cndgqkH5SsE

Ramiro himself waited on us, even though the place was packed and a line over 2 blocks long was outside waiting in the rain to get a table!

I was so very impressed by his passion for service and food!  He had the servers bring us all sorts of sea creatures to look at and decide what we wanted…………they were all alive!

This was a tremendous experience!

Our First Course was Marvelous Steamed Clams……

Followed by Warm Water Lobsters……..

Followed by Giant Spider Crab……

It is traditional to have a steak sandwich for dessert………but we just could not have another morsel..