Often referred to as the Enchanted Peninsula or the Mythical Land of the Knights Templar, the village of Dornes, located in Ferreira do Zêzere, is deeply intertwined with the heroic foundation of Portugal. During the Christian reconquest and the establishment of the Portuguese kingdom, Dornes played a crucial role. It was situated on lands granted to the Templars by the early Portuguese kings during the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.
Because of the significant conflicts that took place in this area, Dornes became associated with the religious devotion to Nossa Senhora do Pranto (Our Lady of Tears), which contributed to the village’s growth and prosperity from the 12th century onward. Dornes received a royal charter from King Manuel I in 1513 and remained the seat of the municipality until 1835.
Visitors to this mythical village can explore several key landmarks, including: – The Tower of Dornes and its Templar history – The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Pranto – The Chapel of Saint Anthony
