Château de Couffoulens, Medieval castle in Couffoulens, France
Château de Couffoulens is a medieval fortified building arranged in a U-shape around an inner courtyard, marked by a square tower at its southwest corner and stone-vaulted ground floor. The entrance features two pillars topped with a circular pediment and decorative wrought iron gates, accessed via a spiral driveway.
The fortified site was first recorded in 1063 under the counts of Carcassonne, then passed to Simon de Montfort in 1215. This transfer marked a crucial shift in regional power during the Albigensian Crusade period.
The chapel inside holds a protected altarpiece showing the baptism of Christ with artistic elements from different periods. Visitors can see these religious artworks while walking through the central courtyard.
The property is accessed through a spiral driveway that leads to the main entrance with its distinctive pillars and gates. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear for exploring the grounds and courtyard, as the terrain can be uneven in places.
The name comes from the Latin word 'confluens', referring to its position where the Aude and Lauquet rivers meet. This river location gave the place strategic importance for controlling trade routes through the region.
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