Carcassonne Castle | A Medieval Fortress in France
Carcassonne Castle Highlights
One of the most stunning highlights of Carcassonne Castle is the Sculpture of Lady Carcas, a legendary Saracen princess. It is said that Lady Carcas, upon the death of her husband, saved the city from being overtaken by Emperor Charlemagne’s superior forces. It was in her honour that the castle was named Carcassonne. The sculpture is a massive stone edifice that lies right at the entrance of the castle like a protector. It depicts the lady in ancient robes and is among the best-maintained sculptures in the castle.
The Gallo Roman Rampart on the northern end of the castle dates back centuries and is among the oldest parts of the structure. It was constructed during the Lower Empire and has 30 round ancient towers with no roofs. You can witness over a millennium of military architecture as you walk on the ramparts that are around a kilometre long. The rampart was built from horseshoe-shaped bricks and large stones and was later modernised with two towers made of bossage stones.
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The second rampart of Carcassonne Castle France lies on the western side and offers stunning panoramic views of the entire town. The rampart was constructed in the thirteenth century by Saint Louis and his successors and had round and low towers that lacked roofs. When the site was restored, the towers were tiled with slate that created a contrast with flat roofs with southern French tiles. You can also climb the Bishop’s Tower, a massive structure that covers both walls, from here.
Chateau’s Comtal or the Count’s Castle is among the most beautiful segments of Carcassonne the Castle. The chateau lies within the fortress and dates to the twelfth century when it was built by the Viscounts of Carcassonne. The structure is separated from the town by a dry ditch and has been modified many times over the centuries. The chateau offers stunning views of the surroundings and also showcases Carcassonne’s history through an artefact exhibition at the museum and informative film.
Much like every medieval fortress, Castle Carcassonne was home to a beautiful basilica where the inhabitants of the place offered prayers. The Basilique Saint Nazaire is one of the most impressive structures within the castle and is known for its charming architecture. It was constructed as a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles that were prevalent in medieval Europe. You can admire its delicate stained-glass windows, beautiful nave, prayer pulpit, and stunning sculptures dedicated to Catholicism during your castle tour.
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Towers are obviously the architectural feature that are present in maximum number at the Carcassonne Castle. These towers served military purposes as they provided panoramic views of the entire town and allowed soldiers to mount attacks on enemies. Several towers line the ramparts of the fortress and showcase different architectural styles as they were constructed in different historical periods. You can also climb some of the towers, like the Bishop’s Tower, during your tour and admire the 360-degree views from their top.
Among the most popular sections of Carcassonne Castle France is the Museum of the Middle Ages which is located in Chateau Comtal. The museum is an interactive space that holds ten-minute film shows that inform visitors about the history of Carcassonne. After the movie, you enter the exhibition space where numerous artefacts from different historical periods are displayed. The collections depict the daily life and art and architecture of Middle Ages and can be explored with an audio guide tour.
History of Carcassonne Castle
Carcassonne Castle history begins around the 3rd century AD as a Roman fort. By the 12th century, under the House of Trencavel, the castle grew as they expanded fortifications, adding over 20 towers, and strengthened its defenses. They also reformed local governance and supported trade, arts, and architecture, turning Carcassonne into a major military, cultural, and administrative center.
Carcassonne was under the rule of Raymond-Roger Trencavel when the Albigensian Crusade began in 1209. The crusaders targeted Carcassonne as part of their campaign against the Cathars, and after a short siege, they captured the city and imprisoned Trencavel.
In the 13th century, the castle was central to the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars. Carcassonne was a vital base for military campaigns against the Cathars. The castle's strategic position made it essential for controlling the region, leading to its growing importance.
In the 19th century, Carcassonne Castle history took a significant turn when architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc led a major restoration from 1853 to 1868. His work aimed to preserve the medieval appearance of the castle, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site today.
Architecture Of Carcassonne Castle
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Carcassonne Castle stands as a prime example of medieval military architecture. Its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers were meticulously designed for siege resistance, complemented by defensive elements like moats, drawbridges, and loopholes.
The Château Comtal, the inner castle, represents the oldest section of Carcassonne. Built in the Romanesque style, it includes a keep, a chapel, and a grand hall. Within the castle walls, the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. This basilica is a key religious landmark in the region.
FAQs
What is the history and origin of Carcassonne Castle?
The Carcassonne Castle was established by the Romans in 122 BCE. It was home to numerous rulers like the Romans, Visigoths, Saracens, and Franks until the construction of Chateau Comtal by the local Viscounts. Later, the castle became a defensive structure during the Crusades. However, the 1659 Treaty of the Pyrenees stripped the castle of its defensive role and led to its ruin and neglect. It was revived and restored in the nineteenth century and is now a tourist attraction.
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What are the main attractions and highlights of Carcassonne Castle?
The main attractions of the Castle of Carcassonne are the Chateau Comtal and the Museum of the Middle Ages. You can also admire the massive Sculpture of Lady Carcas and visit the stunning Basilique Saint Nazaire during your tour. Climbing the watch towers like the Bishop’s Tower is a popular activity, as is walking along the ramparts that offer stunning panoramic views.
Must Checkout: Plan Your Visit To Carcassonne Castle
How can visitors get to Carcassonne Castle?
Carcassonne Castle is located at 1 Rue Viollet le Duc, 11000 Carcassonne, France. You can get here by bus, train, and even by air.
By Bus – The nearest bus stop is Carcassonne, where many buses provide regular services.
By Train – Take the SNCF Line on the main Toulouse Montpellier route and get down at Carcassonne stop, which is the closest train station.
By Air – Carcassonne has an airport, the Aeroport Sud de France Carcassonne. You can easily get taxis and shuttle buses to the castle from here.
What are the opening hours and ticket prices for Carcassonne Castle?
The castle is open from April to September between 10 AM and 6:30 PM and from October to March between 9:30 AM and 5 PM. The attraction remains closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Entry tickets for adults cost €11 per person. Entry is free for visitors aged under 18 years, EU nationals, and non-EU French residents aged between 18 and 25 years.
What amenities and facilities are available for visitors at Carcassonne Castle?
Important amenities available at the castle include male and female washrooms and baby changing stations with diaper changing tables. The attraction also has wheelchair accessibility and has facilities like adapted washrooms for convenience. Another facility is of electric charging stations, where you can charge your electric vehicles within the castle. Audio guides are also provided for a detailed experience of the historical landmark.
Why is Carcassonne Castle famous?
Carcassonne Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts nearly two miles of walls, 53 towers, and a moat. Originally built in the Gallo-Roman period, it was restored in the 19th century by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. It also features the Saint-Nazaire Basilica with its stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture.
What is a unique architectural feature of the Carcassonne Castle?
Carcassonne Castle’s history tells us of unique features such as its double-walled fortifications with 53 towers and a moat. Additionally, the drawbridge system and complex gates controlled the access and fortified against attacks. The castle also features a fortified barbican, an outer defensive gateway designed to protect the main entrance.
How old is Carcassonne Castle?
Carcassonne Castle is over 1,700 years old, originating around the 3rd century AD. The castle was extensively expanded during the 12th century under the Trencavel family. The Carcassonne Castle history highlights its role as a key military stronghold in the medieval period, especially during the 13th-century Albigensian Crusade.
Who built the castle in Carcassonne?
Carcassonne Castle’s history reveals its built by the Romans around 3rd century AD and it sits on Cité Hill at 700 feet. This elevated position was strategic for defense and controlling trade routes such as the Via Domitia, Route de Toulouse. Overlooking the Aude River and Montagne Noire, the castle was expanded by the Visigoths and the Trencavel family.
How long should one spend inside the Carcassonne Castle?
To fully explore the castle, its walls, towers, and interior exhibits, plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours here. This allows time for a visit the Saint-Nazaire Basilica and enjoy the views from the ramparts and the Aude River. For a deeper experience of the history of Carcassonne Castle, consider spending considerable time at the museum.
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