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.

The fortified town of Carcassonne resides on a strategic outcrop, commanding the main communication route between the Mediterranean Sea and Toulouse. As early as the 1st Century, Roman legions established a encampment here, and held it until the 5th. Century, when it was conquered by the Visagoths.

Already an important stronghold, Carcassonne was again captured in the 8th. Century by the Franks. Due to its military might and strategic location, Carcassonne enjoyed a period of prosperity that lasted until the 1200s, when the Albigensian Crusade came crashing down upon the region.

This crusade was aimed at stamping out the Cathar heresy, and the Viscount of Carcassonne, 

Trencavel was shortly after found dead in the tower he was held prisoner. Cathar heretics fled to more remote sites, such as the Chateau de Peyrepertuse and Queribus.

Trencavel's son attempted a revolution in 1240 in order to regain his inheritance, and layed siege to the town. This attempt failed due to improvements made in Carcassonne's defenses, and from this time on the town was considered impregnable.

Once Roussillion was annexed under the Treaty of the Pyrenees, Carcassonne's military position dwindled as the town was now almost 200 kilometers from the new border. The town was abandoned, and total demolition was considered.

Under the Romantic movement, however, a local archeologist pushed the French government to restore the city, and due to his efforts, the Commission of Historical monuments agreed to restore the town starting in 1844.

This is the view of the city from the distance as you approach it