Montsegur and its castle are located in in the Ariege department, in the southern Midi-Pyrenees region south-east of Foix. High on a hilltop, the castle at Montsegur is an impressive sight. In fact three castles have existed at the same location. The first predated the cathars and was destroyed before they arrived. The second was an important cathar stronghold in the 13th century, until it fell during a siege - the village that was inside the castles was destroyed at the same time. The third, which is largely what you see today, was constructed renovated during the latter part of the 13th century.