The Kathars
The Kathars |
|
History |
|
  |
There
are different versions about this religious sect, which spread itself from
the middle of the 12th century over the whole of western Europe. One of these is that that which is not Gods work is work of the devil; the material world was bad, work of the devil. Other versions are less extreme and tell that the Kathars strived after pure Christian love, non-violence, equality for everybody, whether high or low born, whether man or woman. Kaztharos is “pure” in Greek. The excisting sacraments were rejected because they referred too much to the material world. They stuck to one spiritual sacrement. Only the “perfecti”, those who had obtained the highest state of purity received this sacrement. The ordinary Kathars were the “credentes”, the believers. Their conception of life was very ascetic, with the emphasis on poverty. This way of life was later taken over by their adversaries, the beggar–orders. |
|
The
most important places of interest have been built by their conquerors
from the North of France, who brought their own Gothic style along. Examples
of this are the cathedrals of Albi and Carcasonne. And also most of the
Kathar strongholds. Those were fortified by the French Kings in order
to guard the border with Aragon which grew stronger and stronger. Only
in 1659 when the French-Spanish border moved about 50 km to the south
as a result of the Treaty of the Pyranees, the fortresses lost their military
importanceYet the names Monsegur, Quéribus, Aguilar, Puivert, Puilaurens
and Peyrepertuse stuck to their Kathar reputation. In the course of the
centuries the differencies between the Kathars and their pursecutors faded.
Jabinet in his “The ashes of the Kathars” already draws a gothic cathedral in the citadel of Carcasonne, which at that time was besieged by the crusaders. |
Most
of the Kathar strongholds were in the Aude. A great dealof the tourist activities
are concentrated around these strongholds and around the town of Carcasonne. Tourism is of great importance to the region. |
|
Most of the fortresses have been restored
or are currently under reconstruction. As they were military bastions
only bare stone walls are left over. But a visit is certaily worth while
also because of the magnificent landscapes. For those who like to walk
a Kathar-trac has been mapped out along 12 historical places (12 days)
As far as architecture goes the fortresses much esemble each other, but
the environment is different.
At Puilaurens is a centre for visitors. |
 |
| Organised Kathar trips can a.o. be booked with TonvanderKroon |