- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 12th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Visiting
- probably – Wikidata lists it as a museum or gives tickets, opening hours or visitor numbers; check before you go
- Coordinates
- 42.9656°, 1.6050°
History
The stronghold on a rocky spur where the Ariège and Arget rivers meet was the seat of the Counts of Foix from the 11th century. During the Albigensian Crusade Count Raymond-Roger sided with the Cathars, and Simon de Montfort came against the castle several times without taking it. In 1272, however, Count Roger-Bernard III submitted to King Philip III the Bold. The family produced the celebrated Gaston III Fébus in the 14th century, and in the 15th century a tall round tower was added to the two square ones. From the 16th century the castle served as a prison, and in the 20th century it became a museum.
What to see
Three towers – two square and one slender round – rise above the roofs of Foix and can be seen from afar. A steep path climbs to the castle, which houses a museum of medieval life with reconstructions of armour, interiors and siege engines. The towers offer views over the town and the Pyrenean peaks, and in summer there are knightly displays.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q1011806
Popularity: articles about this site in 22 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).