Cathars history: During the XIIth century, in the South of France, a Christian religion different from Catholicism: Catharism. restaurantaxat
Do you know the Cathars history? This new belief based on Christianity but very critical towards Catholicism was quickly spread throughout all the Occitan. To thwart this influence, Pope Innocent III decided to start a crusade against the Albigensian. This crusade was quickly doubled a geopolitical war between the Northern and Occitan lords.
The Inquisition law court finished the last sieges and stakes against the Cathars. Although the Cathars was eradicated, it is still a symbol of tolerance, freedom and openness of the Occitan culture. It left its marks on this land and its identity.
Nowadays, only a few traces remains of history. The Castles, abbeys and museums of Cathar Country became symbols of this struggle; Castles were used as refuge for Cathars and had to face many sieges, abbeys whose function is to strengthen the Catholic position and support the crusade.
Through the centuries, the monuments faces have changed but their story will endlessly be linked to the tragedy of the medieval period.
Discover all the castles in ‘Cathar Country “. Most castle ruins, which today is called “Cathar castles”, has no relation to the story of the dualistic sect from the twelfth century Occitania. Originally, these fortresses were built to secure the border with Aragon, who regularly besieged area.
Carcassonne, the stunning medieval played previously a major role in surveillance of the borders. In the line of defense it had ‘his five sons’: Château Aguilar, Château Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens Château, Château Queribus and Château Termes.
Each is the prestigious locations because of their history as well as powerful and breathtaking architecture. Both Carcassonne and his five sons are close to Hotel Axat. All within a radius of 60 km with Château Puilaurens closest to (8 km), Château Queribus (35 km) and Chateau Peyrepertuse (43 km).
