Bern, Switzerland
13th century
Morcote, Switzerland
12th century
Clarens, Switzerland
13th century
Domleschg, Switzerland
1200
Arlesheim, Switzerland
1239
Läufelfingen, Switzerland
c. 1240
Thalheim, Switzerland
13th century
Cama, Switzerland
12th century
La Sarraz, Switzerland
1049
Oron-le-Châtel, Switzerland
13th century
Aesch, Switzerland
13th century
Sarnen, Switzerland
11th century
Scuol, Switzerland
12th century
Kandergrund, Switzerland
12th century
Meinier, Switzerland
1318
Lucens, Switzerland
12th century
Ormalingen, Switzerland
1319-1342
Stetten, Switzerland
13th century
Flums, Switzerland
c. 1220
Aarburg, Switzerland
c. 1200
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.