The Arteaga castle, located in the municipality of Gautegiz Arteaga in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, is a neo-Gothic castle with deep historical roots and a picturesque setting. Originally built in medieval times, it was reconstructed in the mid-19th century by Emperor Napoleon III of France, who gifted it to his wife, Empress Eugénie de Montijo.
The original manor house was said to have been built in the eighth century by Fortún Ortúnez and Sancho Gaúteguiz, and was destroyed and rebuilt many times. The castle was built on the foundations of a tower mentioned in writings from the mid-fifteenth century. By the nineteenth century it was very run down, having been used as a farmhouse. The tower was owned by the Arteaga family, who were related to the Montijo family and thus to the Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III of France.
The decision to build the new chateau was in response to a decree in 1856 by the assembly of Basque country that the Prince Imperial was a Viscayan. They said that the newly-born prince was descended from the lords of Arteaga and Montijo, and he was thus Señor de las Torres de Arteaga. At the request of the empress, the Napoleon III sent his architects to the town to draw up plans for the new building and undertake construction.
The castle was rebuilt in the French Gothic style when Romanticism was in fashion. The castle has ogival arches, gargoyles with figures of animals, double windows and battlements. Designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment, the reconstruction incorporated limestone and marble, giving the castle its distinctive white and gray appearance.
The Arteaga castle is a prime example of neo-Gothic revival architecture. Its towers, battlements, and arched windows evoke the grandeur of medieval castles while integrating romantic elements typical of 19th-century designs. The surrounding gardens enhance its fairytale-like ambiance, offering spectacular views of the Urdaibai estuary and nearby landscapes.
Today, the castle functions as a luxurious hotel and event venue. Its carefully preserved interiors retain a regal atmosphere, with elegant furnishings and decorative details that reflect its noble history. Visitors can explore parts of the castle, admire the architectural features, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
More information: https://castillodearteaga.com/
