Khan a-Shawarda (the Merchants' Inn) was most probably built by Dahar al-0mer in the 18th century. It has a square courtyard with the remains of a watering trough for livestock in its center. During the British Mandate, openings were made in the khan's courtyard from the north and the south in order to facilitate traffic. It is believed to be the site of a Clarissan Nuns convent dating back to the Crusader Period. History has it that when the Moslems took over the city, the nuns deliberately mutilated themselves by cutting off their noses so as not to surrender to the conquerors (Mondril made reference to this in 1697).
References: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.