Rüti, Switzerland
1214-1219
Fraubrunnen, Switzerland
1249
Orpund, Switzerland
1255
Beinwil, Switzerland
1085
Claro, Switzerland
1490
Churwalden, Switzerland
c. 1150
Gals, Switzerland
1093-1103
Cazis, Switzerland
8th century AD
Eschenbach, Switzerland
1309
Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland
1281
Därstetten, Switzerland
13th century
Schänis, Switzerland
9th century AD
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.