Jasov has the biggest monastery complex in Slovakia and its main church, dedicated to St. John The Baptist, is considered one of the country's most important late-Baroque buildings. Though the present complex dates from the 18th century, there has been a monastery since 1170. The first, probably made of wood, was destroyed by the invading Tatars in 1242. A Romanesque stone monastery soon replaced it and was rebuilt in a fortified style in the 15th century. The site was then completely levelled again in 18th century to make way for the present Baroque structure.
The current monastery was designed by the architect Anton Pilgram in 1766. The lavishly ornamented interior of the monastic church in Baroque style, the library of monastery, and conserved French garden are especially valuable. The monastery has 365 windows, 12 chimneys and four gates (representing the days, months and seasons of the year).
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.