The origins of Domme …
In around 1281, Philip III (The Brave) decided to build a Bastide on the "La Barre", the 150 rockface that dominates the river Dordogne in the heart of Périgord Noir. The bastide was created following the norms of the day, a grid construction with roads crossing each other at right angles, square open spaces, a covered market etc …
Whilst there are some traces of prehistoric inhabitation, Domme's heyday was in the Middle Ages. The 100 years war and the war of the Religions have left many scars on the golden stones of the village. Domme would never have been built so high up if the threat of invasion had not been significant.
The ramparts that surround the village and the gates that provided access lay testament to the military history of Domme and still exist today in a relatively good state of repair. The most impressive edifice is, without doubt, the Porte des Tours, which shows the lengths to which the king was prepared to go to ward off potential invaders.
Much to see in the village rich in history and natural beauty …
The charm of Domme is undeniable, it has a certain serenity especially in the calm after the tourists have left for the day. The exceptional views over the Dordogne valley show off the chateau of Montfort, the village of la Roque Gageac, the gardens of Marqueyssac and the chateau of Beynac. But Domme is much more that this, wandering the streets gives you a good feeling of how Domme society was made up. Take a guided tour to get the most out of the experience.
In around 1281, Philip III (The Brave) decided to build a Bastide on the "La Barre", the 150 rockface that dominates the river Dordogne in the heart of Périgord Noir. The bastide was created following the norms of the day, a grid construction with roads crossing each other at right angles, square open spaces, a covered market etc …
Whilst there are some traces of prehistoric inhabitation, Domme's heyday was in the Middle Ages. The 100 years war and the war of the Religions have left many scars on the golden stones of the village. Domme would never have been built so high up if the threat of invasion had not been significant.
The ramparts that surround the village and the gates that provided access lay testament to the military history of Domme and still exist today in a relatively good state of repair. The most impressive edifice is, without doubt, the Porte des Tours, which shows the lengths to which the king was prepared to go to ward off potential invaders.
Much to see in the village rich in history and natural beauty …
The charm of Domme is undeniable, it has a certain serenity especially in the calm after the tourists have left for the day. The exceptional views over the Dordogne valley show off the chateau of Montfort, the village of la Roque Gageac, the gardens of Marqueyssac and the chateau of Beynac. But Domme is much more that this, wandering the streets gives you a good feeling of how Domme society was made up. Take a guided tour to get the most out of the experience.
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THE CAVES UNDER THE VILLAGE
20 metres under the village, a network of caves extend over 450m. Carved out by water, a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites adorn the route and its chambers. They were discovered by local children in 1912, after having lain dormant under the hillside since prehistoric times. |
LA PORTE DES TOURS
A few thousand years later, at dawn on Friday, 13 October 1307, the global simultaneous arrest of the Knights Templar saw the unfortunate Templars imprisoned in one of the towers of the porte des Tours, with only death to look forward to. Their fate and their faith led them to engrave graffiti on the walls of their cells. Mysterious testimonies, which make this ancient prison a unique site in the world. The iconographic reading of these signs and their possible interpretation recounts the torment of the Knights Templar.
A few thousand years later, at dawn on Friday, 13 October 1307, the global simultaneous arrest of the Knights Templar saw the unfortunate Templars imprisoned in one of the towers of the porte des Tours, with only death to look forward to. Their fate and their faith led them to engrave graffiti on the walls of their cells. Mysterious testimonies, which make this ancient prison a unique site in the world. The iconographic reading of these signs and their possible interpretation recounts the torment of the Knights Templar.
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Fast forward a few centuries to only a few generations ago when rural life was hard. The museum on la place de la Halle, takes you back to this time, so recent and yet so alien, via reconstructions of everyday life. A multitude of objects from yesteryear will help youngsters discover what life was like for their great grand-parents. As late as the 1950's livestock roamed the streets and the women did their weekly wash in the Lavoir next to the place de la Rode. An opportunity to share memories, relive the past and make it come alive again.
Visit the Tourist office for more information on the sites of Domme and the surrounding area. |
“France may one day exist no more, but the Dordogne will live on just as dreams live on and nourish the souls of men.” Henry Miller