Thun, Switzerland
1180-1190
Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland
c. 1200
Spiez, Switzerland
12th century
Thun, Switzerland
1846-1854
Büren an der Aare, Switzerland
1621-1624
Jegenstorf, Switzerland
12th century
Schwarzenburg, Switzerland
1573-1576
Aarberg, Switzerland
13th century
Münchenwiler, Switzerland
1535
Ringgenberg, Switzerland
13th century
Burgdorf, Switzerland
11th century
Nidau, Switzerland
13th century
Unterseen, Switzerland
13th century
Frutigen, Switzerland
c. 1200
La Neuveville, Switzerland
1283
Erlach, Switzerland
1090-1100
Wilderswil, Switzerland
12th century
Belp, Switzerland
1550-1554
Aarwangen, Switzerland
c. 1300
Bern, Switzerland
c. 1250
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.