Brussels, Belgium
1105
Leuven, Belgium
18th century
Saint-Hubert, Belgium
687 AD
Vlaanderen, Belgium
1134
Ghent, Belgium
7th century/1638
Denée, Belgium
1872
Seraing, Belgium
1202
Westerlo, Belgium
1128
Lissewege, Belgium
1106
Hasselt, Belgium
1182
Rochefort, Belgium
1230
Andenne, Belgium
692 AD
Hamont-Achel, Belgium
1686
Chimay, Belgium
1850
Estinnes, Belgium
1130
Gembloux, Belgium
945 AD
Lasne, Belgium
1215
Hastière, Belgium
946 AD
Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
1441
Bilzen, 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.