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Medieval Fortified Town of Carcassonne, France

Photographs taken in November 2015

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel located in the French city of Carcassonne. It was the historic city of Carcassonne.

Founded during the Gallo-Roman period, the citadel derives its reputation from its 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) long double surrounding walls interspersed by 52 towers. The town has about 2,500 years of history and has seen the Romans, Visigoths, Saracens and Crusaders. At the beginning of its history it was a Gaulish settlement; then, in the 3rd century A.D., the Romans decided to transform it into a fortified town. The town was finally annexed to the kingdom of France in 1247 A.D.

In 1849 the French government decided that the city fortifications should be demolished. This decision was strongly opposed by the local people. The government later reversed its decision and in 1853 restoration work began. The architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was charged with renovating the fortress. After his death in 1879, the restoration work was continued by his pupil, Paul Boeswillwald, and later by the architect Nodet.

In 1997 it was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.

- Wikipedia: Cité de Carcassonne (online Dec. 2015)


The "new town" as seen from the defensive wall








Long double surrounding walls interspersed by 52 towers







Towers




Narrow slits are loopholes








Pyramidal roofs












Slate conical roof ... Narrow slits are loopholes



Crow-stepped gable roof




Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus




Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus




Terra cotta roof tiles were used by the Greeks and Romans




Half-timbering with herringbone brick pattern




Herringbone brick pattern




Rubble masonry pattern




Gargoyles










Four variations of this site below:
















Photos and their arrangement © 2015 Chuck LaChiusa
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