Messina, Italy
1616
Caserta, Italy
1787
Cernobbio, Italy
1898-1901
Tirano, Italy
17th century
Maser, Italy
1558-1570
Genoa, Italy
1893
San Felice del Benaco, Italy
Mira, Italy
1558-1560
Venaria Reale, Italy
1720s
Pollenzo, Italy
1832-1848
Fanzolo, Italy
1559
Mira, Italy
1719
Fratta Polesine, Italy
1556-1563
Montagnana, Italy
1553-1555
Lugo di Vicenza, Italy
1537-1542
Caldogno, Italy
1570
Agugliaro, Italy
1540s
Poiana Maggiore, Italy
1548-1549
Bassano del Grappa, Italy
1540s
Lugo di Vicenza, Italy
1539
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.