Castle Couiza, also called Château des Ducs de Joyeuse is located in the municipality of Couiza in Aude, 15 km south of Limoux.
It was built from 1540 by Jean de Joyeuse pair and chamberlain appointed by François 1st, and also governor of Narbonne and Lieutenant General in Languedoc. He married in 1518 Francoise Voisin whose ancestors had received the land in 1231 after the Albigensian Crusade.
Looted by Protestants in 1577, the castle found its splendor when Guillaume de Joyeuse installs his court. However, his eldest son killed at the battle of Coutras, none of his other children is not interested in the field.
Built in ocher-colored limestone rocks in a traditional plan (buildings forming a rectangular courtyard with round towers at the corners), with thick walls without opening the ground floor, but drilled the first elegant and windows second stage, the castle has defensive elements (lethal). Note, however, that from inside the courtyard, the fortress offers a different aspect: Sandstone built the home are more in agreement with the Renaissance...
Sold to Archbishop of Narbonne in 1649, the building was seized during the Revolution and became alternately military hospital, police and wool warehouse for a textile factory.
Near the ruins during the first half of the twentieth century, the castle protected as historic monuments has been the subject of serious restoration. It now houses a luxury hotel and restaurant.
Information +33 4 68 74 23 50.
