Castelo de Saint Jorge

Saint George's Castle

Perched atop the hill, Saint George's Castle stands as the guardian of Lisbon, with its weathered stone walls dating back to the 6th century. From its heights, it offers you a window to both the past and the present, an unparalleled perspective of the city of seven hills, a place where time stands still, silently witnessing centuries of significant events. Envision yourself on a journey through the ages, where the whispers of the wind recount age-old tales.

"Forbidden Love: Afonso I and Lady Chamoa":

In the 12th century, King Afonso I of Portugal, also known as Afonso Henriques, fell in love with the beautiful Lady Chamoa, a lady of the Moorish court of Lisbon. When Lisbon was conquered by Christian forces in 1147, King Afonso is said to have pardoned Lady Chamoa and allowed her to live in Saint George's Castle. Their love story endured, despite the cultural and religious differences of the time. This legendary romance between a Christian king and a Moorish lady added a touch of romance to the history of Saint George's Castle in Lisbon.

Why the Peacock:

I chose the peacock as the central element of my story due to its deep significance in medieval Portuguese culture. During that time, the peacock, often symbolized as the phoenix, held great symbolic meaning within the Christian faith. It represented transformation, rebirth, and the continuity of faith through generations. This symbolism aligns perfectly with the forbidden love story between King Afonso I and Lady Chamoa, which transcended the cultural and religious differences of their era. The peacock, as a symbol of renewal and continuity, adds a poetic and spiritual dimension to their story, further reinforcing the connections between nature, spirituality, and Christianity in the context of Saint George's Castle in Lisbon.