Saint-Lizier Cathedrals, Saint-Lizier, France

Saint-Lizier Cathedral can refer to either of the two former co-cathedrals of the town of Saint-Lizier, Notre-Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède de Saint-Lizier) and St. Lizier's Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Lizier de Saint-Lizier), dedicated to Saint Lycerius.

Saint-Lizier falls into two quite separate parts, each with its own cathedral. The lower part contains the old village around the Cathedral of Saint Lizier while the upper part, surrounded by ancient fortifications, includes the Bishop's Palace.

St. Lizier's Cathedral features an octagonal tower and attractive cloisters with a balcony and interesting carved stone decorations at the top of the columns. There are a large number of ancient (11th century) frescoes inside the cathedral.

The cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

Château de Foix

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.

Saint-Lizier Cathedrals

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