Tampere, Finland
1820-1920
Raasepori, Finland
1649-1900
Kouvola, Finland
1872-1882
Loviisa, Finland
1695
Tuusula, Finland
1795
Inkoo, Finland
1646
Raasepori, Finland
1641
Salo, Finland
1852
Urjala, Finland
1793
Salo, Finland
1686
Juankoski, Finland
1746
Oravainen, Finland
1703
Ulvila, Finland
1771-1902
Raasepori, Finland
1640-1900
Eura, Finland
1689 - 20th century
Ilomantsi, Finland
1838-1908
Sonkajärvi, Finland
1831-1874
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.