Château de Coustaussa

Coustaussa, France

The original Château de Coustaussa was built by the Trencavels, Viscounts of the Razès, in the 12th century. It was the stronghold of Cathars until Simon de Montfort and his Crusaders conquered it during the Albigensian Crusade. After the Crusades, the Castle came into the possession of the de Montesquieu family. The present Château was apparently still in good shape until the 19th century, when an enterprising local realised that he could turn a few Francs by stripping out and selling the woodwork.

References:

Cathar Castles

Address

D312, Coustaussa, France

See all sites in Coustaussa

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

www.catharcastles.info

Rating

3.9/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

St. Mary Magdalene Church (1,8 km)
Alet Cathedral Ruins (6,4 km)
Château d'Arques (7,5 km)
Château du Bezu (6,9 km)

Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne (30,5 km)
Cháteau Comtal (30,5 km)
Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus (30,3 km)
Villefranche-de-Conflent Fortress (40 km)
Minerve (59,8 km)
Mirepoix Cathedral (36,6 km)
Château de Peyrepertuse (23,9 km)
Château de Castelnou (49,9 km)
Saint-Hilaire Abbey (17,2 km)

User Reviews

Brigitte Pourquier (2 years ago)
Super visite avec un guide passionné qui n'a pas peur de s'investir pour tenter de faire revivre cet édifice ! Allez le visiter et soutenez leur projet ça vaut vraiment le coup !

Dries Cools (3 years ago)
Got a private guided tour by the caretaker in charge of the restauration. Right now it's all hands on deck to strengthen the ruïne, but they have big plans for the future so I'll definately be returning someday.

Raphael Fabre (3 years ago)
An impressive and fascinating place. An instructive and enriching visit, made with the owner who has the beautiful project of maintaining and restoring it. Better to call ahead just in case. Very beautiful views of the castle are discovered on the path that leads to the village in height

invalidedd yt (4 years ago)
Very nice places

Jean-Patrick Pourtal (4 years ago)
Magnificent place carrying memory. Too bad it has not been restored like all the other "Cathar" castles in the region.

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Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.