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Lisbon Castle Cannon II

Yet more cannon from Lisbon, this time at Lisbon Castle.

Lisbon Castle Cannon

History

The Castelo de São Jorge dates from medieval times but its guns have rarely been fired in anger. The former Moorish fort on Lisbon's highest hill was taken by Crusaders in the 12th century thanks to the legendary bravery of Martim Moniz, but since that time the castle has rarely been besieged.

Only twice in the 14th century did the castle come under attack by an invading army - the Castilians attempted to take the city in 1373 and again in 1383-4.

However, it was the cannon mounted on Portuguese ships that gave it the edge over its enemies during the Age of Discovery period of its history.


Martim Moniz.
Martim Moniz

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