Explore the historic highlights of Dresden
Dresden, Germany
1738-1751
Dresden, Germany
1726-1743
Dresden, Germany
c. 1200
Dresden, Germany
1710-1728
Dresden, Germany
1841/1878
Dresden, Germany
1884-1887
Dresden, Germany
2011
Dresden, Germany
1770
Dresden, Germany
1854
Dresden, Germany
1715
Dresden, Germany
1893-1900
Dresden, Germany
1543
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.