The Dornes Tower is one of the most unusual Templar monuments in Portugal. Located in the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere, it is set on a buttress over the Zêzere river, from where it overlooks it and enjoys a magnificent panorama.
Presumably built on a pre-existing structure dating from the period of Roman domination, the construction was commissioned by the Master of the Order of the Temple in Portugal, D. Gualdim Pais.
Built according to the canons of the Templar fortresses, it has an unusual five-faced plan, with straight lines and two storeys, topped by a frieze and cornice, dating from the 16th century.
Built in schist and limestone, its main portico faces north and bears several military symbols on the lintel, underlining its primary mission. In the 16th century, after having lost its defensive function, the Dornes Tower was transformed into the bell tower of the parish church of Dornes, which is located in its surroundings.
Templar funerary stelae can still be found inside the tower. On the second floor, where the bell tower is located, it has a brick domed dome, reusing old materials, over angle trumpets, possibly made in the 16th century. The gargoyles arranged on the wedges under the finials should also be from this period.
Currently overlooking the waters of the Castelo de Bode dam, the Dornes Tower is imbued with a particular mysticism, fostered not only by its location and the idyllic setting in which it is set, but mainly due to its origin being linked to the presence of the Order of the Temple in Portugal. For this very reason, it is an essential stop-off point on the Templar tourist routes.
Due to its historical and heritage relevance, the Dornes Tower was classified as a Building of Public Interest in 1953.