The bastide of Mirepoix was rebuilt in the 13th century after a flood. The town has nevertheless been able to retain a fortified gate dating from the 14th century and its covered square with a rich medieval heritage. The covered square is surrounded by well-preserved half-timbered houses on wooden galleries and is animated by a traditional market once a week. The municipality of the Ariège department covers a territory of 18 square miles (47 km²) that belongs to the Olmes country, a high place of the Cathar movement and the repression it endured.