Convento de Cristo

The Convent of the Order of Christ was previously a castle of the Knights Templar of Tomar. Built in the 1100s, the castle became the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Once the Knights Templar were suppressed in 1312, and the King of Portugal allowed the Order to reconvene as the Order of Christ, under the rule of the Portugese throne.

The grounds were fantastic. You could see the vineyards, where they grew crops, and kept their animals.

I've been in a ton of castles, but never one that was in such great shape - or maintained the integrity of the original design.

The inside was incredible - although the maps and signage were typical of Portugal. (really unhelpful) All in all, one of the more incredible sights in Portugal.