Neustift Abbey is one of the most prestigious monasteries of northern Italy and Alpine region. It was founded in 1142 by the Bishop of Brixen. Buildings have been rebuilt and expanded several times until the 18th century. Neustift Abbey was dissolved by the Bavarian government in 1807. Today it is a convention center and ecological center.
The abbey, since its establishment, has been a place of shelter for pilgrims coming from Northern Europe and headed to Rome and the Holy Land.
Today you can visit the large Baroque church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is full artworks halls. The historic garden is open to the public. The fortified complex, which is accessed via a small covered bridge, consists of several buildings from different periods and styles.
The important library occupies two floors of the monastery, which houses about 65,000 printed volumes, especially scientific works and manuscripts. The main room of the library, a masterpiece of Rococo style, has been designed by Antonio Giuseppe Sartori in 1773.
The monastery wine cellars are also located here, where the superb wines from the Neustift estate vineyards can be savoured together with a typical South Tyrolean platter of cold cuts and cheese.
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.