European Night of Museums

European Night of Museums – Special Program (Saturday, May 17)
Free admission, from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM (last entry at 11:30 PM)

Program:

• The Suitors – Medieval Circus Performance with Chapitô
Time: 9:30 PM
Duration: 25 minutes
Audience: All ages
Synopsis: The artists of Chapitô present a medieval-themed circus comedy at São Jorge Castle. With acrobatics, juggling, and contortion, three suitors vie for the heart of a princess — but it’s the jester, with his unique talent, who wins over both the audience and royalty. A show full of magic and humor celebrating authenticity.

• Dance at the Court of King João I – Historical Dance Demonstration and Reenactment by Danças com História
Times: 10:00 PM | 11:00 PM
Duration: 20 minutes each
Location: Main Square
Audience: Ages 4+
Synopsis: On Museum Night, São Jorge Castle is transported to the splendor of King João I’s court in a historical reenactment evoking the royal and festive atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
To the sound of ancient music, with richly embroidered costumes and symbolic dance steps, the tradition of round dances like the saltarello and branle, and line dances like the elegant basse danse and lively carola, come to life. The King has ordered the gates of São Jorge Castle to open for this festivity, because some nights are meant to be remembered…!

• Warfare Arts – Battle of Aljubarrota – dHistorical Demonstration and Reenactment by Ofício Bélico
Times: 10:30 PM | 11:30 PM
Duration: 20 minutes each
Location: Fortress
Audience: Ages 5+
Synopsis: The death of King Fernando plunged Portugal into a dynastic crisis between 1383 and 1385. In July 1385, the Castilian army marched towards Lisbon, and D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, “the Constable,” planned to stop the enemy with a decisive battle! The Battle of Aljubarrota marked the assertion of Portuguese independence under King João I. This activity highlights not only the innovative tactics and military genius of Nuno Álvares Pereira but also the impressive 14th-century war equipment. At the end, participants will have the opportunity to handle the weapons under the expert guidance of the Ofício Bélico team.

• Islamic Houses by Night – Guided Tours of the Archaeological Site with the Educational Service
Times: 10:00 PM | 10:30 PM | 11:00 PM
Duration: 20 minutes each
Location: Archaeological Site
Audience: Ages 12+
Subject to maximum capacity
Synopsis: A guided tour of the archaeological remains found within the castle walls that bear witness to one of the most significant periods in Lisbon’s history: the houses and streets dating back to the mid-11th century, from the Islamic period.

NOTICE: Outdoor activities are subject to weather conditions. In the event of extreme weather, the date and schedule may be adjusted.