Burgdorf, Switzerland
11th century
Balsthal, Switzerland
12th century
Wildegg, Switzerland
13th century
Bottmingen, Switzerland
13th century
Vufflens-le-Château, Switzerland
1425
Tarasp, Switzerland
11th century
Porrentruy, Switzerland
13th century
Habsburg, Switzerland
1020-1030
Oron-le-Châtel, Switzerland
13th century
Lucens, Switzerland
12th century
Aarburg, Switzerland
c. 1200
Blonay, Switzerland
1175
Champvent, 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.