Turin, Italy
14th century
Turin, Italy
1679
Turin, Italy
1645
Venaria Reale, Italy
1675
Stupinigi, Italy
1729
Turin, Italy
1633-1660
Turin, Italy
11th century
Racconigi, Italy
17th century
Agliè, Italy
12th century
Turin, Italy
1615
Venaria Reale, Italy
1720s
Turin, Italy
15th century
Pollenzo, Italy
1832-1848
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.