Castelo do Bode dam

The winding course of the Zêzere River guides us to a magnificent lake between magical schist mountains. In this area you can visit and appreciate the Castelo do Bode Dam, one of the main constructions in the Zêzere basin and one of the largest and most important dams in the country.

Inaugurated in 1951 and 115m high, the Castelo do Bode dam is one of the most important dams in Portugal.Situated on the Zêzere River in an area of great beauty, the reservoir of the Castelo de Bode Dam extends over 60 km between the municipalities of Tomar, Abrantes, Sardoal and Ferreira do Zêzere. The reservoir bathes various lands once controlled by the Order of Knights Templar and which maintain an aura of mystery  that fascinates all those who visit them. 

 

Surrounded by leafy vegetation in which the pine forest predominates, the reservoir offers excellent conditions for practising water sports, nature adventures and leisure.  To get around this amazing lake you can go aboard São Cristóvão boat,This cruise will take you through the stunning corners of this reservoir, such as Lombo Island, home to a Lodge, ideal for spending a few days in absolute tranquillity.

The Castelo do Bode dam is used to supply water, mainly to the Lisbon area, produce electricity, offer flood protection and a  home for recreational activities,  such as windsurfing, wakeboard, wakesurfing, rowing,  stand up paddle, and fishing (largemouth bass, carp, barbel and red crayfish). 

If you are passionate about the legends that haunt the history of the Templars, a careful and attentive visit to the region surrounding the Dam is essential.

You can start in Dornes, located on the mythical peninsula that lends its name, in the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere. Here, the presence of the Knights Templar is clearly visible in the pentagonal bell tower, which survived almost intact to this day. Ordered to be built by Gualdim Pais under what is believed to have been an ancient Roman tower, it served as a lookout during the Christian Reconquest. The Tower of Dornes now takes on a bell function. Its five-sided shape is unusual. At the entrance, two shields, a javelin and a spear are carved. Inside, we can see some funerary stelae of the Templars.

A visit to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Pranto or das Dores is also important.

The legend of Nossa Senhora do Pranto originated when a horseman passed by an area of woods where he heard some moans, and there he found an image of Nossa Senhora do Pranto carrying her. The Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto was founded by Queen Santa Isabel in the 13th century, more precisely in 1285. It was rebuilt and expanded by the Commander-in-Chief of Dornes, D. Gonçalo de Sousa, whose coat of arms you can see inscribed on a tombstone on the main façade.

In a combination of Gothic, Mannerist and Baroque styles, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto has a longitudinal plan. On its triangular façade, there is a portico with a straight lintel where, on the cornice, there are two stone images, perhaps from the primitive construction.

The main celebrations take place on the 15th of August and on the Day of the Holy Spirit (Solemnity of Pentecost), the biggest feast of the candles that converge there, from Easter Monday until the month of September.

Also, at the Castelo do Bode reservoir, that extends for about 60 kilometres, you can find some of the most extraordinary river beaches in the country that delight visitors.

Praia de Alverangel, for example, is an authentic river paradise. It is one of the best known river beaches in the municipality of Tomar, located just 10 minutes from the Castelo do Bode reservoir.

Also, in the municipality of Tomar, Praia Fluvial dos Montes is highly sought to enjoy relaxing days, as it is in a quiet place, in the middle of nature, where several sources spring up. Ideal for sports lovers, it has a system installed for wakeboarding. If you are interested in fishing this is also an excellent place. Here, you can tour most of the reservoir aboard the São Cristóvão boat. In Montes village you can visit a chapel in honour of Santa Sofia, water mills and oil mills.