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Founded: 1550Category: Castles and fortifications in Denmark
Historical period: Early Modern Denmark (Denmark)
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Tirsbæk estate was first time mentioned in 1401. The current castle was built in 1550, while the tower and west wing were added in 1577. The park was finished in 1745, among other things with a vineyard - the oldest existing in Denmark. Since 1912, the place been owned by Algreen-Ussing family. They run Tirsbæk as a combined arm and forestry as well as rental of homes for private persons and companies. The former stable has been converted to an exclusive restaurant, Restaurant Slotsstalden. The castle is not open to the public, but a Christmas market is held every year, where it is possible to walk around the yard and a few of the former farm buildings.
References: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.