Explore the historic highlights of Catania
Catania, Italy
1696
Catania, Italy
2nd century AD
Catania, Italy
1711
Catania, Italy
1434
Catania, Italy
1768
Catania, Italy
2nd century AD
Catania, Italy
1708-1763
Catania, Italy
1890
Catania, Italy
1st century AD
Catania, Italy
1558
Catania, Italy
1763
Catania, Italy
1239-1250
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.