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Montsegur
Montsegur and its castle are located in in the Ariege department, in the southern Midi-Pyrenees region south-east of Foix.
High on a hilltop, the castle at Montsegur is an impressive sight. In fact three castles have existed at the same location.
The first predated the cathars and was destroyed before they arrived. The second was an important cathar stronghold in the 13th century, until it fell during a siege - the village that was inside the castles was destroyed at the same time. The third, which is largely what you see today, was constructed / renovated during the latter part of the 13th century.
Apart from the interest of the castle itself, there are splendid views across the surrounding region from the top of the walls.
The 'big day' in the year of the chateau at Montsegur is the summer solstice. By chance or design, the rising sun on that day passes through a series of arches, and has led to it being a major attraction, especially for enthusiasts of the cathars and their religion.
The castle is also sometimes associated with the story of the Holy Grail, although it should be remembered that the current castle contains essentially no vestiges of the two earlier castles on the same location. This possible association also led the castle to be of some interest to the Nazis during the Second World war.
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Places to visit - Montsegur
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Montsegur.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Montsegur are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
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