Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne

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The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne: A Medieval Masterpiece in Modern France

The Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural prowess and strategic ingenuity of the Middle Ages. Situated in the heart of the French city of Carcassonne, in the Aude department of the Occitania region, this medieval citadel offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past, blending history, art, and culture in a harmonious symphony that resonates across centuries.

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UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site

Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral. Carcassonne is also of exceptional importance because of the lengthy restoration campaign undertaken by Viollet-le-Duc, one of the founders of the modern science of conservation.

UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site

The Committee decided to inscribe this property on the basis of criteria (ii) and (iv), considering that the historic town of Carcassonne is an excellent example of a medieval fortified town whose massive defences were constructed on walls dating from Late Antiquity. It is of exceptional importance by virtue of the restoration work carried out in the second half of the 19th century by Viollet-le-Duc, which had a profound influence on subsequent developments in conservation principles and practice.

Encyclopedia Record: Cité de Carcassonne

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel located in the French city of Carcassonne, in the Aude department, Occitania region. It is situated on a hill on the right bank of the river Aude, in the south-eastern part of the city proper.

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