Carcassonne in France a medieval city and fortress

Carcassonne in France is an extraordinary monument, regarded today as the best-preserved medieval city, which has weathered the storms of history in a state close to its original.

Perched on a hill, the fortified city is surrounded by defensive walls that encompass four different periods of military architecture. This immense historical complex attracts over three million tourists annually, so it’s no wonder that it also drew us in.

Carcassonne city location and its importance

Carcassonne is situated along a busy road between the Pyrenees and France. In the past, incredibly important trade routes ran through here, transporting goods from the Mediterranean Sea in all directions. In addition to goods from all over the world, Carcassonne also received novelties, inventions, and ideas, as well as a blend of various cultures, which is evident in its architecture and local cuisine.

However, it wasn’t only trade routes that contributed to the establishment of the city in this particular location and its subsequent prosperity. Carcassonne lies on a sandstone plateau, which seems to be an ideal place for building a city.

Throughout the centuries, successive rulers isolated the urban development from the rest of the country with increasingly modern and sophisticated defensive walls. Additionally, the Aude River, flowing from the Pyrenees, running from south to north, makes access to the city difficult. Further natural boundaries include the mighty Pyrenean peaks to the south and dense forests on the steep slopes of the Montagne Noire mountain range to the north.

Such a location from the very beginning made Carcassonne a nexus between different cultures and powers of the time, and it also provided strength to defend against them.

Carcassonne and its turbulent history

Nature sculpted the surroundings of Carcassonne so well that people built a city here as early as the 8th century BCE. Although it was then just a small settlement surrounded by an earthwork rampart, it served as the foundation for the construction of the later city that we can admire today.

The first inhabitants of these lands were the Celtic tribe of the Volcae Tectosages. They developed their culture for several centuries until the Roman conquests began, and after arduous struggles, the Romans established the province of Narbonne here. From the Romans, remnants of defensive walls that once protected the city remain to this day.

Over time, the former settlement evolved into a lower city, while all the most important institutions and offices were moved to the upper city, hidden behind additional walls.

After the Romans, the Visigoths came and ruled Carcassonne for the next three hundred years. In 725, the Arabs reached the province and began a centuries-long occupation of the city. Three hundred years later, the Franks arrived, and after many bloody battles, they subjugated the upper city, remaining there until the fall of the Frankish Empire.

The origin of the name of the city Carcassonne according to the legend of Dame Carcas

The period of bloody wars with the Arabs is associated with a legend explaining the origin of the city’s name.

To create a clear depiction of Carcassonne’s history, I will create a timeline below featuring the most significant events that have happened to the city.

• 6th century BCE – The early settlement is relocated to the hill where the current upper city stands, possibly due to increased raids by neighboring tribes or a shift in the river’s course.
• 118 BCE – The Romans establish the province of Narbonne, which includes the city of Carcassonne.
• Early 1st century CE – The Romans build a castle in Carcassonne.
• Late 3rd century CE – The Romans erect a series of Gallo-Roman walls (some parts of which still stand within the city today).
• 5th century CE – The Visigoths invade the Roman province of Narbonne and occupy the upper city, where they remain for the next three centuries.
• 725 CE – The Arabs occupy the city and hold it under their control for several decades.
• 759 CE – The Franks conquer the city. Several decades later, after the fall of the Frankish Empire, the feudal period begins in Western Europe.
• 1209 CE – The siege of the upper city of Carcassonne by the army of the Albigensian Crusade. Despite valiant defense, the city is captured, and a new Count of Carcassonne is proclaimed.
• Late 1226 CE – The Viscounty of Carcassonne is officially incorporated into the French crown.
• 1240 CE – An unsuccessful siege of Carcassonne by Raymond Trencavel (descendant of the former Counts of Carcassonne) attempting to reclaim ancestral lands.
• 1247 CE – The establishment of the lower city, to which all political, administrative, and religious functions are relocated.
• 1335 CE – The Black Prince, Duke of Wales, raids Carcassonne and destroys the lower city.
• 16th and 17th centuries – Religious wars erupt across Europe, devastating surrounding provinces, but the city of Carcassonne remains loyal to the Catholic Church until the time of the French Revolution.
• 1793 CE – During the French Revolution, all archives in the city are burned, the castle chapel is closed, and the parish church of Saint-Sernin is partially demolished. The cathedral is spared but stripped of its furnishings and converted into a warehouse for fodder and other supplies necessary for the military.
• 1844 CE – Restoration and reconstruction of the oldest part of the city begin.
• 1852 CE – Under Napoleon’s initiative, the restoration of the entire city of Carcassonne begins. Today, we can admire the results of this work while strolling through the charming streets of the upper city.

The fall of Carcassonne and its subsequent return to glory

The most challenging period for the city of Carcassonne was the 17th century. Until then, the city played a crucial role as a border fortress between the Kingdom of France and territories under Spanish influence. However, after numerous victories in 1659, the French took control of the province of Roussillon, and the border with Spain shifted significantly away. In such a situation, the heavily fortified city lost its strategic and military value, leading to the gradual decline of the old fortress.

In the early 18th century, residents began to treat the medieval fortress as a quarry and extracted stone from it for building houses and structures in the lower city. This destructive practice continued until the 19th century, only halted by Jean Pierr Cros Mayrevieille, a local historian and medieval expert. He intervened directly with Napoleon, whose concern for the fate of this magnificent monument was aroused.

Renovation and restoration work began in 1852 and lasted until 1910. Thanks to the foresight and dedication of many people, Carcassonne can now boast to visitors a unique complex of medieval fortifications, encompassing the entire city.

Military architecture of the Cite de Carcassonne spanning a thousand years of history

The oldest defensive walls in Carcassonne date back to the 4th century and were built by the Romans. These walls, along with some towers, have been partially rebuilt to almost half of their original length. The Gallo-Roman fortifications consist of precisely fitted stones and bricks, connecting defensive towers spaced fifteen meters apart.

Another important military feature of the city is the castle, built at the beginning of the feudal era by the family of the Viscount Trencavel. They constructed a mighty stronghold in the heart of the city, repairing existing defensive walls and adding a belt of new, much stronger fortifications.

The Carcassonne Castle measures 80 meters by 40 meters and includes the count’s palace, warehouses, and military installations. To strengthen its defence, the castle was surrounded by a moat and earthen rampart. Visitors can explore the castle with a guide for a small fee.

At the end of the 13th century, Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis, ordered the construction of additional outer walls around the city. His son, Philip III the Bold, after his father’s death, added his own defensive installations, new bastions, and defensive towers, which are considered today as examples of the excellence of military defensive art at that time. Each of the defensive towers was essentially a separate and self-sufficient bastion, capable of repelling attacks by numerous enemy forces alone.

By the 14th century, all the work was completed, and the city of Carcassonne received its final shape, which it has preserved to this day.

City tour of the Cite de Carcassonne

Before entering the Upper Town, you should take a stroll around its walls to admire Carcassonne from various perspectives. It’s advisable to stay in the city for a few days and plan your visits at different times of the day, and even at night. The old walls look entirely different in the morning sunlight and during its setting. In the evening, the lamps illuminate the entire city, creating a breathtaking view.

To enter Carcassonne, you must pass through the main Napoleon Gate, which leads directly to the Count’s Castle (Chateau Comtal). However, before reaching it, you must pass through a small watchtower and a double drawbridge built over a wide moat that was once filled with water.

Continuing further, you’ll encounter two twin defensive towers dating back to the time of Philip the Bold. They are enormous, standing 25 meters high, with walls 4 meters thick. Both towers were constructed to deflect projectiles thrown from outside the walls, which was an extremely modern solution in those times. Between the towers is the entrance gate, protecting access to the upper town.

The defensive towers and gate are so formidable that in 1355, the Black Prince, who stood beneath the fortress, abandoned his attack on the city and contented himself with destroying the lower town and the lower castle.

The area between the castle and the first line of walls is filled with medieval buildings housing shops, restaurants, and various tourist attractions. If you’re lucky enough to visit when it’s not too crowded, you’ll feel the beauty and atmosphere of the old walls surrounding you from all sides.

The Count’s Castle in Cite de Carcassonne

Continuing further, you’ll notice that the city was built in such a way that if the enemy somehow managed to breach the first gate, they would then be faced with the formidable walls of the Count’s Castle, additionally surrounded by a moat. As you stroll through the city, you’ll also see that the castle itself is a fortress within a fortress. Similar to the Napoleon Gate, the entrances are defended by two twin towers, serving as the main defensive points. Apart from them, the castle was defended by nine other observation and combat towers.

The walls of this perfectly protected fortress were erected around a vast honour courtyard. In medieval times, a majestic elm tree grew in its centre, which in those areas symbolized nobility, courage, and honour. On the western side is the entrance gate, through which you can descend to the banks of the Aude River, passing by the barbican.

The Count’s Palace, part of the castle, is divided into three parts, surrounding the castle courtyard on three sides. On the western side is the main part of the palace, adjoining the defensive walls. On the southern side is the wing with a giant salon, and in the northern part stood the chapel, which was demolished during the French Revolution.

All residential parts of the palace are located on the upper floor, while the ground floor and basement house warehouses, kitchens, garrisons, dungeons, and everything else essential in the castle. In medieval times, the inner walls were equipped with additional wooden elements such as galleries, stairs, utility rooms, and observation and defensive platforms.

The castle houses a historical museum with a significant collection of stone artefacts. Here you’ll see Roman sculptures, sarcophagi, tombstones, wine and olive oil amphorae, as well as architectural elements from various epochs. Particularly interesting are pieces of walls decorated with paintings from the time of the Crusades. You’ll also find many materials describing the reconstruction of the upper town. A visit to the museum is like a fantastic journey through time through the entire history of the city.

Basilica of Saint-Nazaire in Cite de Carcassonne

The Basilica of Saint-Nazaire in Carcassonne is a combination of the heavy and clumsy Romanesque style with the light and intricate Gothic style. The building reflects a long history and the influences of many cultures and periods.

The name of the basilica comes from Nazarius, the son of a Jewish father and a Christian mother, who was imprisoned for defending his faith on the orders of Nero. He was ultimately beheaded, leading to his later canonization as a martyr.

The oldest part of the church is the Romanesque nave, built in 1096, while the rest of the basilica was added in the 12th century. The newest parts of the building are the transept and the choir. The exterior of the church is adorned with polygonal turrets, sculpted gargoyles, stone balustrades, and beautiful, intricately decorated stained-glass windows. Thanks to the stained-glass windows located on the western side of the basilica, the interior of the church is flooded with colourful light, which fills the darkness with several chapels inside the basilica.

The centre of the church, with its slender columns supporting Gothic vaulting, appears elegant and incredibly beautiful, as well as spacious and expansive. The interplay of light on the heavy stones makes a giant impression and remains in memory for a long time.

In addition to its extraordinary appearance, the basilica also features valuable decorations and historic details. Pay special attention to the Radulphe chapel with the tomb of the bishop dating back to 1266. Furthermore, be sure to admire the historic 17th-century organ and the stone slab with a relief depicting the siege of the city from the 13th century.

Carcassonne ticket prices

To access the castle in Carcassonne, you need to purchase a ticket. The cost of such a ticket can vary depending on the time of year and whether there are events or special occasions taking place at the castle.

It’s a good idea to buy your ticket in advance before your trip because Carcassonne is a popular destination, and you may find that you can’t enter the castle on the day of your arrival. To avoid this and to avoid waiting in long queues at the ticket office, I recommend purchasing your ticket on the website, where you’ll always find attractive prices and numerous promotions.

The popular board game Carcassonne

The board game Carcassonne is considered one of the most popular strategy games of its kind worldwide, playable by 2 to 6 players. The game was designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede and was first released in 2000.

Unlike traditional board games, Carcassonne doesn’t have a standard game board. Instead, all players take turns drawing and placing square tiles, called tiles, on the table. These tiles depict different parts of the terrain, and players must add them to those already laid out on the table.

On the tiles, you’ll find segments of fields, cities, monasteries, and roads. Points are earned by placing one’s pawn on a chosen and completed segment. In addition to the original game, there are expansions available, as well as other standalone games based on the concept of Carcassonne.

Cite de Carcassonne practical information

• The Upper Town can be explored either independently or with a guide. Guides are available in English, Italian, German, and French.
• Entry into the walls of the historic city is free.
• A ticket to the Carcassonne castle costs 7 euros per adult. Children and adolescents enter for free.
• Walking through the old town can be quite challenging due to the steep terrain, uneven roads, and often crowded conditions. Therefore, individuals with mobility impairments, those using wheelchairs, or those needing support from others may encounter significant difficulties. There are no elevators in the city, but there are steep and somewhat dangerous stairs.
• For a trip to Carcassonne, be sure to bring comfortable shoes and sunglasses, especially if you plan to explore the city during the hottest part of the day.
• Pets are not allowed in the city, and smoking and carrying large luggage are prohibited.
• Cars are not allowed in the Upper Town. There is a large car park at the gate to the city, but it is often too small and can be congested throughout the day.
• You can find plenty of parking spaces in the modern part of Carcassonne. They are usually paid, but the fees are not high. In my opinion, the most convenient option is to leave your car in the underground car park in the city and walk to the Upper Town. The one we use is: Sq. Gambetta, 11000 Carcassonne.
• If you leave your car in the above-mentioned car park, I suggest heading right and crossing the Aude River via the old medieval bridge, Pont Vieux. This bridge offers the most beautiful view of the Upper Town of Carcassonne.
• If you’re tired or simply don’t enjoy walking too much, you can explore much of the city by sitting in a horse-drawn carriage. A ride around the castle walls in such a carriage costs 8 euros per person.
• A noteworthy viewpoint is located at the top of the defensive walls in the middle of the Cité de Carcassonne.

Carcassonne information and interesting facts

• Carcassonne was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
• The medieval fortress of Carcassonne as a whole also has the status of a historical monument.
• The Cité de Carcassonne is located on the right bank of the Aude River, southeast of the modern city.
• The fortified city of Carcassonne dates back to the Middle Ages, surrounded by even older walls built by the Romans.
• The oldest traces of settlement in the area of ​​today’s Carcassonne date back to the 6th century BCE.
• Carcassonne became a tourist attraction as early as the 19th century.
• According to records, in 1905 the Cité de Carcassonne was visited by 8,366 foreigners, and by 1930 there were already 50,000.
• Currently, the city of Carcassonne derives its main profits from tourism, but the huge crowds and communication difficulties, especially in the summer, cause many problems and resentment among the native residents of the city.
• The city hosts many cultural events every year, the most important of which are:
  • Le festival de la Cite – A festival held every summer at the Jean Deschamps theatre. It includes theatre performances and concerts.
  • Le marathon de la Cite – A marathon whose route passes through all the fortifications of Carcassonne and the surrounding area. The event takes place at the beginning of October.
  • L’ambrasement de la Cite – Fireworks show that always takes place on July 14th.
  • Les Médiévales – A display of medieval knight tournaments, always at the beginning of August.
• It is estimated that around 3 million tourists visit the Cité de Carcassonne annually.
• The Polish Carcassonne is called Szydłów.

Polish version