The castle of Asklipio (Asklepieion) was built in 1479 by Grand Master D'Aubusson at the site of an ancient lighthouse. In the Byzantine period, during the time of the Knights, the castle also offered the inhabitants of the surrounding villages protection against enemy attacks.
It had rectangular bulwarks and two massive towers. Its only gate leads to the south-east corner tower. Two construction stages can be distinguished. Inside the castle there are preserved ruins of buildings and two tanks. This is the place where a significant inscription dated 1473 and referring to the activity of Roman Catholic priests in the area comes from.
The castle is easily accessible, and a number of signs direct the visitors all over the route on the winding mountain. It is also easily seen from the valley below and the main road. If you are there by car, just follow the signs and make sure you park your vehicle in the designated parking area.
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.