Pyrenees Guide

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  Montsegur Castle

Montségur is famous for its castle, the Château de Montségur, that was built on the ruins of one of the last strongholds of the Cathars.

The present fortress on the site, though described as one of the Cathar castles, is actually of a later period. It has been listed as a monument historique since 1862.
 
In the Middle Ages Montsegur rwas ruled by the Counts of Toulouse, the Viscounts of Carcassonne and finally the Counts of Foix. In 1243–44, the Cathars, a religious sect considered heretical by the Pope were besieged at Montségur by 10,000 troops at the end of the Albigensian Crusade.

In March 1244, the Cathars surrendered and approximately 200 were burned en masse in a bonfire at the foot of the pog when they refused to renounce their faith.

Photo Source: Commune de Montsegur