Remaining tower from the Cathar fortress of Minerve

MINERVE in the MINERVOIS

Minerve and the bridge access over the river Cesse

Minerve, perched on it’s clifftop above the River Cesse, at the junction with the River Brian. Minerve gave it’s name to the Minervois Wine Region. Minerve was once a stronghold of the Cathar religion and 180 “Parfaits” (as the believers were called) were burned to death here in 1210.

Notice how the roads around Minerve follow the deeply carved river canyons!

Stone carving to the memory of the Cathari, Minerve

Stone carving to the memory of the Cathari, Minerve

The roads around Minerve follow the deeply carved river canyons

Plaque commemorating the death by burning of 180 Cathari

The river bed of the river “Cesse” (So called because during much of the year it ceases!) the cavern under the road is large enough to house concerts and the entrance would allow a bus to pass with ease!

The cavern under the road, part of the riverbed of the River Cesse

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