L'Isle, Switzerland
1696
Leuk, Switzerland
11th century
Arlesheim, Switzerland
1243-1244
Nidau, Switzerland
13th century
Prangins, Switzerland
1732
Balsthal, Switzerland
12th century
Wildegg, Switzerland
13th century
Zernez, Switzerland
13th century
Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
11th century
Gottlieben, Switzerland
1251
Unterseen, Switzerland
13th century
Buonas, Switzerland
1494
Dornach, Switzerland
11th century
Martigny, Switzerland
1260
Stein am Rhein, Switzerland
c. 1200
Grüningen, Switzerland
before 1229
Fürstenau, Switzerland
18th century
Bottmingen, Switzerland
13th century
Frutigen, Switzerland
c. 1200
Saint-Saphorin, Switzerland
12th 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.