Nightbringer | The Arthurian Online Encyclopedia

Montségur

Château de Montségur

Montségur is a historic site atop a rocky hill in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France.

Local legends say that the Holy Grail is hidden nearby.


The history of Montségur is closely tied to its role as a Cathar stronghold. In 1244 a siege took place during the Albigensian Crusade. The Catholic Church, led by the Inquisition, launced a military campaign to suppress the Cathars. After a months-long siege, Montségur fell to the crusaders, and hundreds of Cathars who refused to renounce their beliefs were burned at the stake.