King Afonso Henriques

Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal (1139-1185).

His long reign lasted from 1139 until 1185, during which he reclaimed various cities and towns from the Muslims who controlled the south of the country. 

One of his most important conquests was the city of Lisbon on 25 October, 1147. The king was assisted by Christian soldiers from Northern Europe (English, Norman, Flemish and German crusaders) and the siege of the city lasted almost four months, culminating in the surrender of Lisbon and the king’s triumphant entry into the citadel.

Did you know that…

There is a statue of Afonso Henriques in the castle’s Place-of-Arms depicted as a medieval warrior?