FRANCE ~ Castle of Montségur ~

...First of two more wonderful surprises...  this aerial view of Cather Castle is perched on the very top of a "Pog" or small very steep imposing mountain...the best known of all Cathar Castles.... with spectacular views from the top over the surrounding valleys... this castle is said to have once held the Holy Grail...  Thanks a lot dear Josep and Assumpta!! (✿ ♥‿♥)➝http://cartesipostalsdarreu.blogspot.be/

Montségur is situated in the Ariege, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, on a pog (a volcanic pluton) at an altitude of 1,207 meters.

The ruins that can be seen today are not those of the Cathar fortress, but of a 17th century French defensive castle (although it is said that its stones were taken from the rubble of the previous construction).

It is famous as the last Cathar stronghold, which fell after a 10 month siege in 1244. A field below the hilltop castle is reputed to be the site where over 200 Cathars were burned alive, having refused to renounce their faith.

Stamp:

2017 EUROPA Stamps - Palaces and Castles
(Issued 14-05-2017)