For several decades now, the so-called Cathar Country has been on the list of historical sights. The center of this cultural project is the city of Carcassonne. France can hardly boast of another such beautiful and monumental medieval complex in the very center (Cite), consisting of fifty-two towers and surrounded by a three-kilometer wall. Thus, this is not a castle (for some reason, this is exactly the information that travel companies often give), but a classic Mediterranean fortified city. It has a rich and glorious history. Modern Carcassonne is located on the map of France in its very south. But it wasn't always like that. This is a former Roman fort, one of the most beautiful cities in the independent Visigothic kingdom of Aquitaine, a Saracen fortress, which was defended by a woman - Lady Karkas, according to local legend. In its heyday, it was the capital of the medieval viscountry of the Trencavel dynasty, large feudal lords of Languedoc and vassals of the Aragonese king.
Carcassonne France conquered in the thirteenth century. Then Pope Innocent III called for a crusade against the defenders of the dissident Christian Church, whose followers are now called Cathars. The local ruler, Viscount Roger Trencavel, was very tolerant of opponents of Catholicism. He was not going to give them to the crusaders, for which he paid. He was lured into the camp of enemies by deceit and killed in prison. The city was captured by the crusaders, and the inhabitants were expelled. Subsequently, the army of the French king intervened in the war, which finally annexed Languedoc. Since then, Carcassonne has lost its independence. France installed a royal seneschal there as steward, and he took up residence in the viscount's former castle. Since the local population did not really support the invaders, they were resettled in the suburbs (Burg), and the Upper City was separated from them by walls. The we althy also lived there. Time passed, and Carcassonne ceased to play such an important role for the French state. The city grew poor, its majestic walls and towers turned into ruins, Languedoc itself became the poorest province, and its language, in which the troubadours once worked, was actually banned and almost destroyed.
But in the 19th century, the writer Prosper Merimee, who visited this city, was shocked by its past. He organized a public campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the medieval complex. With the help of the architect Violette-le-Duc, Europe found this fabulous city, which is now visited by three million tourists every year. Nowmassive fortifications on a hill beyond the river Aude are visible from the lower Burg. Crossing the bridge and entering Cite through one of the many gates, the visitor gets lost, wandering through the narrow streets, where at every corner there are shops selling souvenirs and colorful restaurants with local cuisine. You can come here at any time, in summer and winter Carcassonne is always ready to receive you. France used to underestimate this city, but now it is at the top of the list of places visited by tourists. But the best and most colorful periods, when everything here looks just brilliant, are spring and autumn.
When you enjoy wandering around Cité, be sure to visit two excursions - a tour of the fortifications, where you will see the formidable Inquisition Tower, and also inspect the Viscount Castle, where you will get acquainted with the history of the city and the life of its nobility. Don't miss the Cathedral of St. Nazarius with beautiful stained glass windows and Romanesque columns. A wonderful sight is the show of eagles and falcons, which are trained according to the medieval method - they fly freely and return to their owners. And after the excursions, try cassoulet, a local dish of beans and duck, which is well recorded with Minervois wine.
Carcassonne hosts many other colorful events - a light show in spring and early summer, when the night sky above the city is lit up with many bright fireworks and fireworks. It is the center of the resurgent culture of the Languedoc, which is why every year there are demonstrations demanding that Occitan be made the official language in the region. Indeed, already many streets wear twonames are not only in French. The local color appears more and more, and tourists notice it. After all, then it becomes clear what the real Carcassonne is. France has not always been the mistress here. This is the Country of the Cathars.
