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    The Cathar castles

    The Cathar castles, Montségur first among them, are concentrated in Ariège. They bear witness to the key role that Midi-Pyrénées played in the rise of the Cathar Church and later in the protection of these persecuted Christians.

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    Visiting these castles that reign over magnificently untouched mountain landscapes will give you an insight into the Cathars, who in the 13th century defied the Pope and the armies of the crusade launched against them. 
    Situated at an altitude of 1,200 m on a rocky peak known as 'le pog', the Château de Montségur (13th century) is one of the Great Tourist Sites in Midi-Pyrénées as part of the 'Ariège, 14,000 years of history' collection.


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    Château de Montségur - Montségur (Ariège)Château de Montségur - Montségur (Ariège)Château de Foix - Foix (Ariège)

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      Its ruins have become an almost universal symbol of the Cathar resistance.


      The other Cathar castles of Midi-Pyrénées that were attacked or besieged, the castles at Foix (11th to 14th century), Usson (11th century) and Roquefixade (11th century), are also outstanding witnesses of history full of the atmosphere of that time.

      For more information

      See the section on the Cathar sites in Midi-Pyrénées.

       
      Project co-financed by the European Union. Europe is partnering Midi-Pyrénées with the European Regional Development Fund.