THE FOCUS OF THE CATHARIST CHURCH
From its position high on a rocky peak, Montségur proved the focus of the Catharist church and provençal resistance. Both a strategic and spiritual centre, which shone like a lamp throughout the plains, up to Béziers and from Toulouse. It was overrun in 1244, and almost two hundred heretics were burnt in the field which extended at its feet. The end of Montségur resulted in the mass exodus of the Catharists and their patrons, towards Northern Italy.It has inspired a great number of stories and legends and is today a venue of mystical pilgrimages. This is how it was described in song by the Féliberge of Provence Prosper Estieu:

« O castel de Mount-Segur
Inspiro me un cant venjaire
Countro l’Nord ensannejaire
E lous amics de l’Escur ! »


(Inspire in me MontsègurA revengeful songAgainst the Northern slaughtererAnd the friends of the Dark !)