The castle of Montsegur

The Cathars were Christians who challenged the authority of the Pope and the Church. Their community, led by Perfects (spiritual guides), flourished in south-west France. The Perfects led a rigorous life, practising vegetarianism, renouncing all material possessions and observing strict chastity.

On the other hand, the obligations were less restrictive for ordinary believers.

After allowing the movement to develop, the Pope decided to suppress it by launching a crusade. Despite numerous persecutions, the last Cathars found refuge in an inaccessible castle: Montségur Castle.

The winter of 1244 was a tragic one for the castle. On 16 March, after more than 10 months of siege, the Cathars surrendered. Of the 400 remaining defenders, 200 refused to recant their faith and were burnt alive at the foot of the castle.

It should be noted that the ruins of the castle today are not those of the original Cathar castle, which was rebuilt a few years later. Details of the original castle are rare.