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| Central street of the cité of Carcassonne. |
Here's my selection of the 'best bits' of the history of the place (from what was on the brochure...).
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| Carcassonne from afar. |
- Claimed to be the "finest example of medieval military architecture."
- Was prosperous in Roman times due to its convenient location for trade: between Toulouse and Narbonne.
- In the 4th century, the first enclosure was built to protect it from "barbarian invasions."
- In 1208, after Pope Innocent III started a crusade against the Albigensians (Cathars) it was under siege, eventually having to surrender.
- 12th Century: appearance of the Trencavels' first castle, which was built into a Roman wall.
- 1226: Carcassonne becomes annexed to the King of France, and more fortifications are added.
- 1240: another siege as Raymond Roger Trencavel tries (and fails) to get the castle back from the French King. The Royal Forces burned the surrounding districts!
- 1247: Louis IX gives permission for what was burnt to be rebuilt, but it must be on the other side of the river.
- 1659: Treaty of the Pyrenees, under which Roussillon becomes a region of France. Decline of Carcassonne.
- Early 19th Century: The castle is used as a military garrison, and the walls become stone quarries!
- 1844: Start of its restauration, of which the main protagonist was Viollet-le-Duc.
- 1997: Becomes a World Heritage Site.
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| Castle in the walled city of Carcassonne. |
Cool stuff
- There are 'arrow loops' in the towers for shooting enemies.
- Portcullis: grid gates to drop down and block a passageway. These had to be operated from two different levels, to stop traitors!
- They had catapaults...
- There are sweet, sweet views while walking along the ramparts.
- It's a walled village with a castle!! It's pretty much like time travel! What more do you want?!
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