Besenello, Italy
12th century
Marostica, Italy
1312
Bard, Italy
1830-1838
Gorizia, Italy
1146
Castelbuono, Italy
1316
Lazise, Italy
14th century
Via del Castello, Italy
11th century
Pavia, Italy
1360
Erice, Italy
12th century
Syracuse, Italy
1232-1240
Aci Castello, Italy
1076
Enna, Italy
10th century AD
Lerici, Italy
1152
Meran, Italy
15th century
Torri del Benaco, Italy
1383
Varenna, Italy
11th century
Palermo, Italy
12th century
Racconigi, Italy
17th century
Donnafugata, Italy
15th century
Levanto, Italy
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.