Explore the historic highlights of Villaviciosa
Villaviciosa, Spain
13th century
Villaviciosa, Spain
893 AD
Villaviciosa, Spain
1200-1226
Villaviciosa, Spain
921 AD
Villaviciosa, Spain
9th century AD
Villaviciosa, Spain
15th century
Villaviciosa, Spain
13th century
Villaviciosa, Spain
12th century
Villaviciosa, Spain
13th century
Villaviciosa, Spain
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.