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.

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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

Dries Cools (10 months 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 (10 months 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 (2 years ago)
Very nice places
Jean-Patrick Pourtal (2 years ago)
Magnificent place carrying memory. Too bad it has not been restored like all the other "Cathar" castles in the region.
marcel bochaton (3 years ago)
Très belle forteresse en ruines et friches
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The Castle of Gruyères is one of the most famous in Switzerland. It was built between 1270 and 1282, following the typical square plan of the fortifications in Savoy. It was the property of the Counts of Gruyères until the bankruptcy of the Count Michel in 1554. His creditors the cantons of Fribourg and Bern shared his earldom. From 1555 to 1798 the castle became residence to the bailiffs and then to the prefects sent by Fribourg.

In 1849 the castle was sold to the Bovy and Balland families, who used the castle as their summer residency and restored it. The castle was then bought back by the canton of Fribourg in 1938, made into a museum and opened to the public. Since 1993, a foundation ensures the conservation as well as the highlighting of the building and the art collection.

The castle is the home of three capes of the Order of the Golden Fleece. They were part of the war booty captured by the Swiss Confederates (which included troops from Gruyères) at the Battle of Morat against Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy in 1476. As Charles the Bold was celebrating the anniversary of his father's death, one of the capes is a black velvet sacerdotal vestment with Philip the Good's emblem sewn into it.

A collection of landscapes by 19th century artists Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Barthélemy Menn and others are on display in the castle.

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