Details
Founded: 1396-1406Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Habsburg Dynasty (Germany)
User Reviews
Satzvey Castle was built between 1396 and 1406 on an island in the middle of a large pond crossed by the Veybach. At that time a main and a fore-castle were situated on separate islands. Behind the wide expanse of water, today one can see the richly structured manor house, with its tower and the gate-house from the 15th century. The son of Max Felix Reichsgraf Wolff Metternich, who had lived as lord of Satzvey since 1878, expanded the castle to its present appearance full of a sense of style. Behind the wide expanse of water, today one can see the richly structured manor house, with its tower and the gate-house from the 15th century.
Satzvey Castle represents an especially beautiful example of a romantic castle. On the present estate of Satzvey Castle a variety of events are held, for example the jousting tournaments with medieval markets, witches' festivals, children's theatre programs and the historical castle Christmas, including traditional Christmas market. Moreover, in private rooms banquets are arranged for parties of between 40 and 500 guests.
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.