Inhabited since the Neolithic, Carcassonne is located in the plain of the Aude between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrénées. Its strategic importance was quickly recognized by the Romans, who occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman In the fifth century, it was taken over by the , who founded the city. Its strategic location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.
Its citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a medieval fortress dating back to the Gallo-Roman period and restored by the theorist and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1853. It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997. Consequently, Carcassonne relies heavily on tourism but also counts manufacturing and winemaking as some of its other key economic sectors.
Remseey2907says
Once I drove with a car in France and we could not get a hotel. Everything was full. So we were forced to sleep in the car. Which we did. It was dark and I parked the car. The next day I opened my eyes. And I was amazed that we parked right in front of Carcassonne! What a beautiful sight with the morning light. I will never forget.
AlphaOmegaGreece says
Inhabited since the Neolithic, Carcassonne is located in the plain of the Aude between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrénées. Its strategic importance was quickly recognized by the Romans, who occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman In the fifth century, it was taken over by the , who founded the city. Its strategic location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.
Its citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne, is a medieval fortress dating back to the Gallo-Roman period and restored by the theorist and architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1853. It was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997. Consequently, Carcassonne relies heavily on tourism but also counts manufacturing and winemaking as some of its other key economic sectors.
Remseey2907 says
Once I drove with a car in France and we could not get a hotel. Everything was full. So we were forced to sleep in the car. Which we did. It was dark and I parked the car. The next day I opened my eyes. And I was amazed that we parked right in front of Carcassonne! What a beautiful sight with the morning light. I will never forget.
pend-bungley says
Any higher res versions of this shot?
Hot5oup says
Undead burg
wutangforawhile says
Beautiful castle. Wiki link. Fascinating part about “Lady Carcas”. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cité_de_Carcassonne