Explore the historic highlights of Turku
Turku, Finland
ca. 15th century
Turku, Finland
1400-1410
Turku, Finland
1280
Turku, Finland
1999
Turku, Finland
ca. 1800
Turku, Finland
1819
Turku, Finland
1229
Turku, Finland
1899-1905
Turku, Finland
1351
Turku, Finland
1440
Turku, Finland
1793
Turku, Finland
12th century
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.