Aarau, Switzerland
c. 1200
Estavayer-le-Lac, Switzerland
1392
Saint-Maurice, Switzerland
1476
Bischofszell, Switzerland
1419
Willisau, Switzerland
1690
Seengen, Switzerland
12th century
Schwarzenburg, Switzerland
1573-1576
Arbon, Switzerland
13th century
Aarberg, Switzerland
13th century
Kyburg, Switzerland
13th century
Sargans, Switzerland
1282
Regensberg, Switzerland
13th century
Greifensee, Switzerland
c. 1250
Münchenwiler, Switzerland
1535
Diessenhofen, Switzerland
12th century
Bulle, Switzerland
1230s
Ringgenberg, Switzerland
13th century
Rolle, Switzerland
1264
Burgdorf, Switzerland
11th century
Monthey, Switzerland
15th century
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.