Melk, Austria
1089
Schönbühel-Aggsbach, Austria
1180
Krems an der Donau, Austria
1083
Schallaburg, Austria
1540
Dürnstein, Austria
1140-1145
Krems an der Donau, Austria
1014
Krems an der Donau, Austria
15th century
Spitz, Austria
12th century
Schönbühel-Aggsbach, Austria
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.