Helsinki, Finland
1830-1852
Helsinki, Finland
1862-1868
Turku, Finland
1400-1410
Porvoo, Finland
1410-1420
Tampere, Finland
1902-1907
Oulu, Finland
1777 (restored 1832)
Helsinki, Finland
1858-1860
Espoo, Finland
1480-1490
Kuopio, Finland
1806-1815
Mikkeli, Finland
1896-1897
Lapua, Finland
1827
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.