Explore the historic highlights of Leuven
Leuven, Belgium
1439
Leuven, Belgium
1425-1497
Leuven, Belgium
1650-1671
Leuven, Belgium
1234
Leuven, Belgium
1738
Leuven, Belgium
14th century
Leuven, Belgium
1455
Leuven, Belgium
1129
Leuven, Belgium
1220-1230
Leuven, Belgium
1888
Leuven, Belgium
18th century
Leuven, Belgium
1440
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.