Wierschem, Germany
12th century
Cochem, Germany
1100
Sierck-les-Bains, France
11th century
Bernkastel-Kues, Germany
13th century
Beilstein, Germany
12th century
Alken, Germany
1198-1206
Traben-Trarbach, Germany
1350
Brodenbach, Germany
12th century
Roes, Germany
12th century
Kobern-Gondorf, Germany
12th century
Alf, Germany
c. 936 AD
Lieser, Germany
1884
Kobern-Gondorf, Germany
12th century
Klotten, Germany
960 AD
Wintrange, Luxembourg
1610
Kobern-Gondorf, Germany
1859-1960
Luttange, France
14th century
Burgen, Germany
1270
Schloß Thorn, Germany
16th century
Treis-Karden, Germany
13th 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.