Balsthal, Switzerland
12th century
Dornach, Switzerland
11th century
Oensingen, Switzerland
1250
Trimbach, Switzerland
10th century AD
Feldbrunnen-St.Niklaus, Switzerland
1682-1686
Kyburg-Buchegg, Switzerland
1546
Balm bei Günsberg, Switzerland
11th century
Holderbank, Switzerland
c. 1050
Solothurn, Switzerland
1725-1728
Lostorf, Switzerland
13th century
Büsserach, Switzerland
1100
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.