CARCASSONNE
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fairytale walled citadel of Carcassonne is the most impressive
example of a medieval fortified town left in Western Europe.
Standing on high ground above the river Aude, the oldest parts
dating from the Roman period, it is defended by 52 sturdy towers,
with pointed roofs and huge heavily fortified entrance gate-houses
linked by three kilometres of crenulated double ramparts. In
the 13th century it was a stronghold for the Cathars in their
battle for independence from the North. In 1850 the citadel
was under a destruction order and stones from the walls were
being auctioned off but Eugene Viollet le Duc set about restoring
it. The fortress and cathedral were repaired, the towers and
gates rebuilt with their conical roofs added once more and new
crenulations were added throughout to the walls. Gradually
over the next half century Carcassonne was restored to a 13th
century fortress.
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Market days Tuesday and Saturday Mornings |
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