Montsegur is one of the most tragic places in the Cathar region. As the crusade raged on, the Cathar bishops chose Montsegur (Secure Mountain) as their home base. It was besieged by the crusaders from May 1243 to March 1244. As you can guess from the pictures, the crusaders were never able to actually take the castle. But, the Cathars ran out of supplies and eventually had to surrender. The crusaders offered them the choice of repenting or being burned. Over 200 Cathars (including women and children) chose to be burned at the stake.
There is a story that says that the Cathars were in possession of a 'treasure' of some sort, and were able to sneak it out before they gave up. Some say that this treasure was the Holy Grail. No one knows if the story is true, or what happened to the 'treasure' after it left Montsegur. Some say that it was buried at Rennes-le-Chateau.
Here is the view of the castle from the ground. you can see why it was known as the most secure castle in France. You can drive up to the tree line. Then it is a half hour hike up the rocky part to get to the castle.
Here is a memorial to the Cathar martyrs that people have placed recently. Catharism is making a small comeback these days and you can find Cathar churches on the web.
Part of the hike is pleasant, because you can do it in the shade...
The village of Montsegur located below the castle. They have a small museum there and a place to get ice cream.
The entrance to Montsegur. How'd they get all those bricks up this mountain?
The view from Montsegur. You could certainly tell when the crusaders were coming!
Inside Montsegur. This was the cistern.
Ruins of Montsegur.
Montsegur consists basically of two rooms. The cistern, and this large empty space. I'm sure that it was much nicer back in the old days when they had wooden buildings in here, but now it just looks like a big empty pit. It isn't all that impressive a ruin to look at, but it does have some good history and a nice view. If only it hadn't been so hot.
The big room viewed from the other corner. The people you see are a French tour group.
Dave ponders history.
The view from the town below. This is how most of the crusaders saw Montsegur.
