Located in south western France, this fortified walled city was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
With more than 3 million visitors a year, it has become as recognisable as the famous Mont Saint Michel. Carcassonne itself is a castle that is also a city. The city is known as La Cite de Carcassonne, and around it lays the modern city of Ville Basse.
The breathtaking Cite de Carcassonne is protected by a double row of fortified walls that extend for almost two miles in length, with 56 impressive watchtowers along the stretch of wall.
No matter which direction you are travelling from, it is almost impossible to miss the grand silhouette of this magnificent structure.
History of the Medieval City of Carcassonne
This city dates back to 6000 BC, and suffered several invasions during its colourful history. The first of these came from barbarians in the 3rd century AD, and it was this invasion that led to the people of the city building a single wall, which replaced the massive wooden fence and moat that had protected the city up until that point.
After another invasion in 1230, it was decided that a second wall was needed. This was when the walls were transformed into the beautiful double strength reinforcements that we admire today. The walls remain intact and are considered the most successful architectural achievement from that European period. A visit to the Medieval City of Carcassonne will carry you all the way back to the heart of medieval times.
More information about Carcassonne can be found at http://www.carcassonne.org/.