City of Carcassonne - France or Languedoc?

For several decades, the so-called Country of Cathars is on the list of historical sights. The center of this culturological project is the city of Carcassonne. France can hardly boast of such a beautiful and monumental medieval complex in the center (Cité), consisting of fifty two towers and surrounded by a three-kilometer wall. Thus, this is not a castle (this is the reason why travel companies often bring this information), but a classic Mediterranean fortified city. It has a rich and glorious history. There is a modern Carcassonne on the map of France on its very south. But it was not always so. It is a former Roman fort, one of the most beautiful cities in the independent Visigothic kingdom of Aquitaine, the Saracen fortress, which the woman defended - Lady Carcas, according to local legend. In its heyday, he was the capital of the medieval viscountry of the Trencaveli dynasty, the great feudal lords of Languedoc and the vassals of the Aragonese king.

Carcassonne France won 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 the opponents of Catholicism. He was not going to extradite them to the crusaders, for which he paid. By deception he was lured to the camp of enemies 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 put the royal seneschal there as steward, and he settled in the former Viscount castle. Since the local population did not really support the invaders, it was moved to the suburbs (Burg), and the Upper City separated from them by walls. Know and rich people lived there. As time passed, Carcassonus ceased to play such an important role for the French state. The city was poor, its majestic walls and towers turned into ruins, Languedoc itself became the poorest province, and its language, once created by the troubadours, was virtually banned and almost destroyed.

But in the XIX century, the writer Prosper Merimee, who visited this city, was shocked by his past. He organized a public campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the medieval complex. With the help of architect Violetta-le-Duca, Europe has found this fabulous city, which is now visited every year by three million tourists. Now the massive fortifications on the hill beyond the river Od are visible from the lower Burg. Passing the bridge and getting into the Cité through one of the numerous gates, the visitor is lost, wandering through narrow streets, where at every corner there are shops selling souvenirs and colorful restaurants with local cuisine. You can come here at any time, Carcassonne is always ready to take you in summer and winter. France had previously underestimated this city, but now it is in the top rank of the places visited by tourists. But the best and colorful periods, when everything here looks just brilliant, are spring and autumn.

When you enjoy wandering around the Cité, be sure to visit two excursions - a tour of the fortifications, where you will see the formidable Tower of the Inquisition, and also inspect the Viscount Castle, where you will get acquainted with the history of the city and the life of its nobles. Do not miss the Cathedral of Saint Nazaría with beautiful stained-glass windows and Romanesque columns. A beautiful show is the show of eagles and falcons, which are trained according to the medieval technique - they fly freely and return to the owners. And after the excursions, try the cassoulet - a local dish of beans and ducks, which can be well recorded with the wine of Minervois.

In Carcassonne, many other colorful events take place - a light show in the spring and early summer, when the night sky over the city burns with a lot of bright fireworks and salutes. This is the center of the reviving culture of the Languedoc, and therefore every year it hosts demonstrations demanding that the Oxitan language be made official in the region. And indeed, many streets have two names - not only in French. Local color is manifested more and more, and tourists notice this. After all, then it becomes clear what is the real Carcassonne. France was not always the hostess here. This is the country of the Cathars.