Carcassonne – Enchanting Fortress in France
A UNESCO World Heritage Site Dating Back More than Two Millennia
Oct 11, 2009
A mere glance at the majestic castle, located on a hilltop between Toulouse and the Mediterranean Sea, is all that is needed to fall under its mesmerizing spell.
One may feel as if a fairytale has come to life, which explains why Carcassonne served as the inspiration behind the Castle in Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
Carcassonne was also featured in the 1991 film, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
A visit to the Cité de Carcassonne is highly recommended if you want to be transported back to ancient times and marvel at the castle's astounding history of 2 500 years.
The town is surrounded by 3 kilometers of ramparts and has 52 towers.
During the Lower Empire the site was protected by a Gallo-Roman enclosure which, however, did not prevent Visigoth, Saracen and Frankish invaders from usurping it in turn.
Carcassonne Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The chateau was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as it is regarded as an excellent example of a medieval fortified town whose massive defenses were constructed on walls dating from Late Antiquity.
"It is of exceptional importance by virtue of the restoration work carried out in the second half of the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc, which had a profound influence on subsequent developments in conservation principles and practice," the UNESCO Committee of Experts cited.
Crusade of the Cathar Religion in 1208
Carcassonne played a significant role in the South of France in the 12th century when the Cathar religion became very influential.
The Cathars believed in a dualistic world of good and evil and compared to Christianity, the religion placed more emphasis on evil forces and its goal was focussed on attaining purity.
Although attempts were made to unite the two religions it failed as the Cathar religion rejected many parts of the Bible and believed that God created heaven and the devil created the earth.
In 1208 Pope Innocent III launched a crusade against the Albigensians - the name given to the Cathars in southern France.
Consequently Carcassonne was besieged to the royal domain in 1226, when it became the fortified site that can still be seen today.
After the publication of Dan Brown's controversial book, The Da Vinci Code, the town has experienced an influx of curious visitors searching for more clues relating to the Cathar religion.
Restoration of Carcassonne by Viollet-le-Duc
Before the Treaty of the Pyrénées was signed in 1659, Carcassonne was responsible for guarding the border between France and Aragon.
In the 19th century French architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, restored the city's medieval look by adding pointed roofs atop each of the castle's many wall towers.
After Viollet-le-Duc's death in 1879, architect, Paul Boeswillwald was responsible for completing the restoration work to the castle.
Popular Tourist Attractions Near Carcassonne
Another popular tourist attraction near Carcassonne is the Canal du Midi which was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 because of its exceptional engineering genius. The canal was built in the 17th century in order to connect the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic ocean and can be explored by cruise boats.
Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to know that there is an 18-hole course situated between the bastide and the medieval city.
During the Bastille Day celebration in July each year, Carcassonne reveals its illuminating beauty in a spectacular display of fireworks which attracts people from all over the globe.
An array of hotels, gift shops and restaurants serving regional cuisine, will also accompany travellers on an unforgettable voyage into the middle ages and beyond.
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