Blackrock Castle formerly Mahon Castle, is a 16th century castle located in Cork city, Ireland. In the late 16th century, the citizens of Cork appealed to Queen Elizabeth I to construct a fort at Blackrock to "repel pirates and other invaders". In or around 1600, a round tower was constructed to safeguard against pirates "carrying away" vessels entering the harbour. Worn by countless medieval soldiers over the centuries, these stone stairs lead to Sperlinga Castle. . In the year 1282, during the period of the Sicilian Vespers, a French garrison barricaded itself inside, resisting the siege for an entire yearTemplar Castle of Ponferrada Spain. Built in the 12 the century. In 1178 Ferdinand ll of Leon donated the city and fortress to the Templar Order protecting the pilgrims on the Way of St.James. The castle hosted the Knights Templar Grand Master of Castille. They only used the fortress for inky 20 years before being disbanded and its properties confiscated in 1311 by Catholic Monarchs.