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Founded: ca. 1800Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Finland
Historical period: The Age of Enlightenment (Finland)
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The history of Anjala manor dates back to 17th century. Carl IX, the king of Sweden, donated it to Henrik Wrede’s widow in 1608 after Wrede had saved his life in Kirkholm battle. Henrik Wrede himself died in battle. Anjala manor was the residence of powerful Wrede family until 1837. The original main building was destroyed in a fire caused by Russian artillery in 1789 and the current one was built some years later.
The Anjala conspiracy of 1788 was signed in the manor. It was a scheme by disgruntled Swedish officers to end Gustav III's Russian War of 1788–90. Declaring Finland an independent state was part of the plot, although it is disputed what importance the conspirators connected to that aspect.
Anjala manor was opened to the public as a museum in 1957. The aim of the furnished rooms is to give a glimpse of late 18th to late 19th century period’s historical style and way of life. The manor also has a Mathilda Wrede room displaying items which are part of her life’s work.
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.