Fortified city of Carcassonne, France
From series “The Most Interesting UNESCO Sites in France”
The medieval city of Carcassonne is also sure to impress those who like to walk through interesting historical places. The city is located on the banks of the River Aude. The very first fortification was built in this place in the Gallo-Roman period. The territory of the medieval city is surrounded by two rows of defensive walls today. Their length is about 3,000 meters. The structure of the fortress wall has 52 towers. Many interesting buildings from the Middle Ages are located behind the wall.
The Count's Castle and the beautiful Basilica of Saints Nazarius are preserved here. The last major reconstruction of the citadel took place in the 19th century. The opening of the historical museum took place on the territory of the fortress in 1961. The territory of the fortress is available for guided tours today. The citadel is located at an altitude of about 150 meters above sea level on an elevated plateau. Spectacular views of the surrounding areas can be enjoyed from some areas of the medieval city.
It is necessary to overcome a steep spiral staircase to climb the bell tower. The panoramic view of the historic city from its height will be a reward for your efforts. The museum is located on the territory of the fortress. There is a collection of unique exhibits there. They date back to the Middle Ages. Collections of works of art, ancient weapons, religious artifacts, and various ethnographic exhibits are stored here. Several interesting historical festivals are held on the territory of the fortress of Carcassonne throughout the year. 
Next - Historic city of Lyon
Avignon historic center, France
Historic city of Lyon, France
Next - Historic city of Lyon
Avignon historic center, France
Historic city of Lyon, France
Back to the start “The Most Interesting UNESCO Sites in France”Fortified city of Carcassonne - interactive map
Nearest airports:
» Salvaza Airport CCF - in 4 km
» Castres-Mazamet Airport DCM - in 39 km
» Rivesaltes Airport PGF - in 66 km
» Le Sequestre Airport LBI - in 81 km
» Blagnac Airport TLS - in 92 km
» Salvaza Airport CCF - in 4 km
» Castres-Mazamet Airport DCM - in 39 km
» Rivesaltes Airport PGF - in 66 km
» Le Sequestre Airport LBI - in 81 km
» Blagnac Airport TLS - in 92 km
Best hotels near Fortified city of Carcassonne
Villa Marcou
Located in 0 km from Fortified city of Carcassonne
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Rooms: 1
Route on the map:
Rooms: 1
The villa is made up of 2 bedrooms, a living room with sofa, a flat-screen TV and DVD player. There is a private bathroom, a washing machine and … More: photo, rates and booking
Villa Rébenty
Located in 1 km from Fortified city of Carcassonne
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Rooms: 1
Route on the map:
Rooms: 1
The villa is made of 4 bedrooms, a living room with TV and DVD player and a large kitchen equipped with microwave, stove and oven. There is a … More: photo, rates and booking
Les Gîtes de Sainte Croix
Located in 2 km from Fortified city of Carcassonne
Route on the map:
Rooms: 3
Route on the map:
Rooms: 3
With a private entrance, this cottage includes a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, dishwasher and electric kettle. During warmer month you … More: photo, rates and booking
Le Traoupet
Located in 3 km from Fortified city of Carcassonne
Route on the map:
Rooms: 5
Route on the map:
Rooms: 5
With free Wi-Fi, each room includes a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer and free toiletries and is located on the first floor and accessed … More: photo, rates and booking
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Top destination around Fortified city of Carcassonne - Carcassonne
The Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus is the oldest church in the city. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Theodoric the Great, the leader of the Visigoths. The church was officially mentioned in the documents in 925. Later, Pope Urban II visited the city and blessed the stones used for building the church. Only naves from the original building have survived until our times. One of these naves is the main and the other two are the side ones. The basilica was reconstructed many times, and each reconstruction brought new details to the look of the church. That is why the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus that we can see now is a combination of different architectural styles such as Romanesque and Gothic.
The beautiful church got its name after two saints who were famous as patrons of this region – Saint Nazarius and Celsus. Nowadays, the basilica exhibits the main landmark – an artifact that looks like an ordinary stone. This stone has an image of the events that took place here centuries ago. It depicts the siege of the citadel by the Crusaders. The Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus is active and hosts public worships every day.
Read further...
The beautiful church got its name after two saints who were famous as patrons of this region – Saint Nazarius and Celsus. Nowadays, the basilica exhibits the main landmark – an artifact that looks like an ordinary stone. This stone has an image of the events that took place here centuries ago. It depicts the siege of the citadel by the Crusaders. The Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus is active and hosts public worships every day.
Read further...
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