Château de Dornes, château à Dornes (Nièvre)
Château de Dornes is a castle built in the 13th century in the village of Dornes in France, positioned on a small hill with thick stone walls that have endured the passage of time. Surrounding the structure are deep water-filled ditches crossed by a bridge, along with supporting buildings like a dovecote and service structures that once served the castle's daily operations.
The castle was built in the 13th century and underwent major renovations in the 16th and 18th centuries that reshaped its structure and style. Since 1996 it has been protected as a historical monument, preserving its significance for the region.
The castle takes its name from the village where it stands, reflecting the close bond between the building and the local community. The layout with its water-filled ditches and outbuildings shows how people lived and organized their daily lives here centuries ago.
The castle sits on a hill in the village of Dornes, making it visible from various points in the area. Visitors can walk around the property to view the external structures including the walls, bridge, and outbuildings.
The site features a crossing called a 'pont dormant', a specialized type of bridge that spans the water ditches and is a defining feature of this castle's layout. This bridge design was a common defensive solution in medieval fortifications.
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