Montánchez Castle was built in the 12th century by Almohad occupation. Three water cisterns still exist from that age. After Christian Reconquista, under the administration of the Order of Santiago, a large number of elements were added to the castle, including the wall which surrounds the enclosure. Additionally, in the interior you will still find the keep and the wine cellars, and on the outside a pond and a hermitage built during the 17th century.
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.