CARCASSONNE

CARCASSONNE, Medieval city

The Walled City of Carcassonne is known first and foremost as a fortified medieval town, built in the 12th century by the vicomtes Trencavel. In the early 13th century, Carcassonne was taken by Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian Crusade, then annexed to the royal estate. Fortification works lasted throughout the 13th century, with the construction of the outer wall and the modernization of the inner rampart, making this place an impregnable fortress.
In the second half of the 19th century, it underwent a major restoration project supervised by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and was included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List.

In this picture you can see the outer wall that was added during the 13th century and the main Fortress which are separated by a small road.

Slate pointy roof were added during the 19th Century and does not represent the style of the original Castle. This style is from the North of France were Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (architech) was from. Even tough, it does not represent the shape of the original Castle, I like it this way.

Remember this is a fortress, so back in those days soldiers would roll down balls (as shown) in a special chute with the purpose to stop invaders from entering the castle. Sometime, soldiers would also use hot boiling water or oil and pour it down to keep invaders away. But since we are in the south, water is so scarce and oil too expensive, people collected animal's urine and use it instead of water or oil. Believe me, they do not hesitate to pour it down those poor soul trying to invade the castle.. needless to stay whoever got soaked with urine... pew, stinky to stay the least.

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