The city of Carcassonne is dominated by the feudal castle of the Trencavel family. It was built on the Roman wall in the early 12th century. The watchtower was raised and the defences were strengthened with crenelations before the crusades against the Cathars took place. In 1266, Carcassonne was annexed to the domain of the king of France and in the 13th/14th centuries, the fortress was was transformed into a lordly residence.
I particularly like the wooden hording at the top of the castle walls, because I had not seen anything like them before. The hording is built overhanging the castle wall to strengthen the defence of the castle in times of siege. Due to its design it was possible to shoot vertically downwards from it. These hoardings were widely used in the 12th and 13th century, but they later replaced by stone machicolations which posed less danger from fire.
What a magnificent presentation Cherrie… this is a fantastic castle or fortress… and i have learned a lot from your description…things like crenelations and hordings…. thank you for the fine English and history lesson….peter:)
It was quite stunning to see and it captured my imagination. I am glad that came through in the photographs
I am mesmerized by architecture, Cherry, so seeing this up close really whets my appetite! I love that you’re showing us so much of Carcassonne. And to think I had never heard of it before you!
You would absolutely love it there
Likewise, I have never seen anything like these wooden hoardings before.
They make good hides for bird-watching! Ha!
The would actually LOL
fine, solid looking castle. enjoyed the series and the history, especially the interesting bit about the overhanging structure to enable shooting downwards.
Thanks Ayush I am glad you have enjoyed the presentation.
Due to its design it was possible to shoot vertically downwards from it.
Yet it’s wooden, Cherie.
They design could have been made out of other materials.
It certainly looks the part of a count’s castle!
It is very impressive
What a magnificent medieval structure untouched by the Middle age “Warlords”. A real pleasure to visit somewhere like that.
It has been restored quite a bit.