Duration
1 hour
Cité de Carcassonne attracts as many visitors each year as the more-famous Mont Saint-Michel. Even if you don't know this city, a visit here will captivate your imagination. 2,500 years of history, and massive 13th-century fortified walls, watchtowers, ramparts, and a castle call medieval sieges to mind. The museum (included in this ticket) also bring this fascinating history to life.To enter the Cité de Carcassonne is to step into the world of medieval trade and travel - much like the beloved table game . With this ticket you can walk the massive double-wall with 52 watchtowers which encloses the ancient town, and the Count's Castle (Château Comtal). You can also visit the 14th-century Great Well. It's said that the Visigoths, fearing Attila the Hun's arrival, hid the treasure of the Temple of Salomon inside. It's never been recovered, so keep your eyes open for anything shiny. The Gauls settled Carcassonne in the 3rd century BC. Then along came the Romans, who took over and added a fortified tower. In medieval times a major medieval thoroughfare passed through here, so merchants, crusaders, itinerant travelers and more passed through the gates. The history contained in these walls is staggering.And yet, in the 19th century, Napoleon and co. decided to demolish it. Thankfully, a campaign to save it was successful, and after restoration the Cité is rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
