The Cathers

People who followed a religious practice which the Roman Catholic church believed to be heretical are referred to as Cathers (CAT-tars).  I think they must have been medieval hippies.  They didn't like the feudal system or the role the Church had in society.  Of course the church couldn't take this sitting down. During the Inquisition, the Cathers we're persecuted.

There is a trail that follows the Aude river that is associated with the Cathers. Along this route are castles from the 12th century that is connected to this religious group. Best I can tell, some of the Fathers were Lord's who owned these castles and during the Inquisition, they were attacked and the Lord's list their holdings. This castle is in Argues just west of Couiza.

The spiral stone stairs between the four floors in the tower are original...The iron railing was added when it was restored. Amazing these stairs are cut by hand and set stop one another...and they still function....who needs engineers when you can have Craftsmen!

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