This castle was built in the XII-th century by a man called Bernard Aton Trencavel, it was at first the palace of the viscounts, leaned with the ancient surrounding wall which was Gallo-Roman

In 1226 it was changed into a stronghold after the return of the city of Carcassonne to the royal domain.

In the reign of Saint Louis, the castle is separated from the inside of the city and this with a ditch and a loop in half circular form, protecting it by realizing in this way a real inside fortress.

Do start the visit with the lapidary museum, in which you will see the last remnants which come from the city and its region :
The Calvary of Villanière (XV-th century),
The washbasin of the abbey of LagrasseXP000074 (XII-th century)....

You will also discover the main courtyard, surrounded with modern constructions.

In the South, the castle shows a Roman façade, in the middle a Gothic façade and in its upper part a façade of the Renaissance.

In the southwest is situated the yard of "Midi" where rises the watchtower which is possible to reach with only one wooden flight of stairs.

Photo : Local Committee of the Tourism of the Aude ("Guide of the Cathar Country")