Domme, Dordogne Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Domme

Commune

Coat of arms

Domme

Location in France

Domme

Location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Country

Vallée Dordogne

Area

24.91 km² (9.62 sq mi)

Population

(2008)

1,004

• Density

40.305/km² (104.39/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+02:00 (CEST)

INSEE/Postal code

24152 /24250

Elevation

60–303 m (197–994 ft)

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Domme (pronounced "Dom") is a charming village located in the Dordogne area of southwestern France. It is known as a commune, which is like a small town or district in France. Domme is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

This special town is famous for being a "bastide." A bastide is a type of fortified town built in the Middle Ages. Domme was founded by a French king, Philip the Bold, way back in 1281. If you visit, you can even see ancient graffiti left by Knights Templar in the old tower gates!

Discovering Domme
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Discovering Domme

Domme is a beautiful place with a rich history. It sits high up, offering amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The village has kept much of its medieval look. This makes it a popular spot for visitors from all over the world.

What is a Bastide Town?

A bastide is a planned town from the Middle Ages. These towns were built with a specific layout. They often had a central market square. Streets were laid out in a grid pattern. Bastides were designed for defense. They usually had strong walls and gates. Domme is a great example of this type of town.

Who Founded Domme?

King Philip III of France, also known as Philip the Bold, founded Domme. He was king from 1270 to 1285. He decided to build Domme in 1281. This was part of his plan to strengthen his kingdom. Building bastides like Domme helped control new territories.

The Mystery of the Knights Templar

The Knights Templar were a powerful group of warrior monks. They were active during the Middle Ages. In 1307, the order was dissolved. Many Templars were arrested and imprisoned. Some of them were held in Domme.

Messages from the Past

Inside the tower gates of Domme, you can still see graffiti. These markings were made by the Knights Templar. They were imprisoned there centuries ago. The graffiti includes symbols and messages. They offer a rare glimpse into their time in captivity. It's like a secret message from history!