Interesting Sites Nearby
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Visavuori is the museum of the life and works of sculptor Emil Wikström (1864-1942) and his grandson, cartoonist Kari Suomalainen (1920-1999). Wikström built his first wilderness atelier in 1894. It was destroyed by fire in 1896 and the residence, Romantic Nationalism in style, was completed in 1902. The new atelier completed next year and represents the Central European architecture style. The atelier was enlarged in 1912.
Visavuori buildings are very well-preserved with the original interior and furnitures (mostly bought from Paris). Today Visavuori is a museum of temporary art exihibitions.
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.