Details
Founded: 1882-1885Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Finland
Historical period: Russian Grand Duchy (Finland)
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Malmgård is one of the most magnificent manor houses in Finland. The history began in 1606 when Carl IX of Sweden donated 30 local farms to Estonian war widow Catharina Hess von Wichdorff. She later married Ernst (Larsson) Creutz from the near Suur-Sarvilahti manor house and Malmgård was merged to the property of Creutz family .
The current main building was built between 1882-1885 by governor Carl Magnus Creutz. The architect was F. A. Sjöström, who designed it in a Dutch Neo-Renaissance style.
Today Malmgård is still privately owned by the Creutz family. They farm organic food and there’s also a local brewery. Beers and can be tasted in the manor restaurant. Guided tours in manor house are available for groups from April to September (visits have to be reserved in advance).
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.