Portugal

The castle was built by the Knights Templar, and it resides between the Mondego and the Tagus rivers. The Knights Templars were responsible for the defense of the capital, which was Coimbra. 

The castle has been rebuilt since this time, but the original architectural characteristics remain largely the same. The reconstruction was completed in 1171.

The castle is located in central Portugal in the Medio Tejo subregion, in the municpality of the Vila Nova da Barguina. The castle and the tiny island may be visited without charge.