Explore the historic highlights of Ghent
Ghent, Belgium
13th century
Ghent, Belgium
1313
Ghent, Belgium
1180
Ghent, Belgium
c. 1440
Ghent, Belgium
11-16th century
Ghent, Belgium
13th century
Ghent, Belgium
7th century AD
Ghent, Belgium
1900
Ghent, Belgium
2010
Ghent, Belgium
7th century/1638
Ghent, Belgium
1257
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.