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Founded: 13th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)
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Built on a height of 330 meters overlooking the valley of the Agout and hillsides of Lauragais, the site of Château de Magrin may have been occupied by a Gallic oppidum, converted into Roman castrum, and then reworked by the Visigoths.
The first written record of the château dates from 7 August 1224, when the chatelain put himself under the protection of the Count of Toulouse, Raymond VII. In 1279, a notarial act attributed his property to the Brenguier family of Puylaurens. During the Hundred Years War, a gang of bandits used it as a base for their raiding raids in the surrounding area, and, in 1502, it belonged to the Corneilhan family. During the wars of religion, its occupants became Protestants, and were welcoming of Henry of Navarre, soon to be Henry IV, in 1585.
Written traces are rarer, but it is likely that it was sold as a national good during the Revolution. It was partially burned as some traces testify, then was consolidated, allowing him to maintain a state of conservation.
In 1971, it was bought by a Mr. Rufino, the current owner who restored it in its entirety.
Today the castle houses a museum dedicated to pastel. A vaulted room contains period documents, fabrics dyed with blue pastel, and old tools for the craft. There's a dryer that could hold up to 100,000 pastel balls called cocagne.
References:Bomarsund fortress and garrison was built in 1832-1854 by Russian Empire to defence Åland Islands against enemies. British and French fleet attacked against it during the Crimean War in 1854. After a week of fighting the British stormed the remaining fort. Anglo-French forces destroyed it totally after battle. In the Treaty of Paris 1856, the entire Åland Islands were demilitarized, which is a status that has been preserved until this day.
Nowadays there are some ruins left and fortress area is open for visitors.