"The nomination covers eight sites: the fortified city of Carcassonne and the castles of Aguilar, Termes, Lastours, Montségur, Peyrepertuse, Puilaurens, and Quéribus. Together, they illustrate a sophisticated defensive network erected in the aftermath of the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229), when the French Crown sought to consolidate control over the Languedoc after defeat of the Cathar heresy. Strategically placed near the border with the Crown of Aragon, these fortresses formed a military barrier that embodied both deterrence and authority."
"France submitted the nomination dossier to UNESCO in early 2025, hoping the Royal Fortresses of Languedoc will become the country's 55th site on the prestigious list. Recent French inscriptions include the megalithic alignments of Carnac in the Gulf of Morbihan. A first evaluation phase withICOMOS, the expert advisory body, will begin in autumn 2025. A recommendation is expected in February 2026, with the final"
Eight fortified sites across southern France, including Carcassonne and seven mountain castles, are presented as a connected Royal Fortresses of Languedoc ensemble. The sites exemplify a royal defensive system erected after the Albigensian Crusade to assert Capetian authority and deter the Crown of Aragon. The fortresses combine dramatic cliff-top siting with adaptive medieval engineering reflecting royal military innovation and symbolism. France lodged a UNESCO nomination dossier in early 2025 seeking inscription as its 55th World Heritage site. An ICOMOS evaluation begins autumn 2025, with a recommendation anticipated in February 2026.
#royal-fortresses-of-languedoc #unesco-candidacy #medieval-military-architecture #albigensian-crusade
Read at Medievalists.net
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