Brakel, Netherlands
13th century
Schrool, Netherlands
1940
Westerveld, Netherlands
1818
Zwiggelte, Netherlands
1942
Voorst, Netherlands
c. 1310
Vleuten-De Meern, Netherlands
14th century
Spaubeek, Netherlands
13th century
Afferden, Netherlands
c. 1300
Beuningen, Netherlands
15th century
Beemster, Netherlands
1607-1612
Houten, Netherlands
1261
Heerlen, Netherlands
16th century
Baarland, Netherlands
c. 1300
Oosterhout, Netherlands
1288
Rijssen-Holten, Netherlands
c. 1378
Vught, Netherlands
1943
Haaften, Netherlands
14th century
Ommen, Netherlands
1941
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.