Ranst, Belgium
14th century
Gooik, Belgium
16th century
Gestel, Belgium
13th century
Perk, Belgium
17th century
Walcourt, Belgium
1674
Hastière, Belgium
10th century AD
Fernelmont, Belgium
14th century
Incourt, Belgium
13th century
Gembloux, Belgium
c. 1285
Humbeek, Belgium
15th century
Tienen, Belgium
1642-1646
Aalst, Belgium
1546
Philippeville, Belgium
12th century
Xhoris, Belgium
19th century
Arlon, Belgium
1432
Hotton, Belgium
1758-1770
Nieuwerkerken, Belgium
1729
Frameries, Belgium
13th century
Honnelles, Belgium
17th century
Province of Namur, Belgium
19th 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.