Alberweiler Castle is a small castle-like structure where the ground and the first floor of the castle are made of stone and the upper storeys consist of three projecting half-timbered floors.
A castle is first mentioned in sources dating from the 11th century. It was occupied by knights in the service of the Counts of Berg-Wartstein. This early structure was destroyed in 1487 but soon after, towards the end of the 15th century, a new castle was erected at the behest of Bartholome of Warthausen. Some remains of the circular rampart are still visible. Following the extinction of the house of Warthausen zu Alberweiler in 1585, the castle was enfeoffed to the Counts of Stadion by Emperor Rudolf II. The castle was renovated in early-Baroque style in the 17th century. The gate was also constructed during these restoration works. At around 1700, the castle functioned as residence for the local reeve, the Counts of Stadion residing at Warthausen Castle, and subsequently went into private ownership during the course of the 18th century. In 1826, the Counts of Stadion sold all rights to the village and the castle to the Kingdom of Württemberg. Following alterations in 1880 the structure slowly began to fall into disrepair. The castle was extensively restored in the late 20th century and is privately owned today.
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.