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Founded: 11th centuryCategory: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)
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Locmaria Church (L'église Notre-Dame-de-Locmaria) is a fine example of Breton Romanesque architecture. The nave, built in the 11th century, is the oldest part. Two 12th century arches have been also preserved. The church was restored in Gothic style between the 12th and 16th centuries. There is a gallery from the cloister built in 1669 in the garden of the former Benedictine priory.
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.