Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a commune in the Aude department in the Occitanie region of southern France. The name most often refers to the Cité de Carcassonne, a medieval fortified city perched on a hill above the Aude River. The site is globally recognized as a quintessential example of a fortified medieval city and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 as part of the Cité de Carcassonne and Canal du Midi inscription.

The Cité comprises a double enceinte with towers that crown the surrounding walls. The fortifications and structures date largely from the 12th and 13th centuries, built by the Counts of Carcassonne and their successors. Within the citadel lie the Château Comtal (Count’s Castle) and the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire and Saint-Celse, which showcase a blend of Romanesque and early Gothic architectural styles.

In the 19th century, the fortress underwent a major restoration under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who reinforced and reshaped portions of the walls and towers, contributing to its iconic appearance today.

Today, the Cité de Carcassonne attracts visitors worldwide and remains a living part of the town, with museums, guided tours, and a well-preserved historic atmosphere alongside the surrounding urban area.

The name Carcassonne also refers to a popular modern board game designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede, first published in 2000. In the game, players draw and place tiles to build a landscape of cities, roads, and fields, and deploy followers to score points.