Baar, Switzerland
13th century
Biberstein, Switzerland
13th century
Klingnau, Switzerland
1240
Attinghausen, Switzerland
11th century
Rue, Switzerland
12th century
Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
13th century
Rhäzüns, Switzerland
10th century
Valsot, Switzerland
12th century
Kriens, Switzerland
13th century
Bern, Switzerland
13th century
Worb, Switzerland
12th century
Allaman, Switzerland
1253
Blonay, Switzerland
1175
Rorschacherberg, Switzerland
1243
Gals, Switzerland
1270-1300
Hüttwilen, Switzerland
c. 1200
Sils im Domleschg, Switzerland
13th century
Balm bei Günsberg, Switzerland
11th century
Beinwil, Switzerland
1085
Aesch, Switzerland
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.