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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The castle of Uhart-Mixe is originally a feudal house-tour (casa-torre) belonging to the Duhart family. This type of construction, typical of the Basque Country, served both as a seigneurial residence and as a symbol of local power. The original structure was redesigned at the beginning of the 16th century, as evidenced by the date of 1518 engraved on a door, reflecting the architectural transformations of the Renaissance in the region.

At the end of the 17th century, in 1699, the castle underwent important modifications: an elevation of a level and the addition of a wing, marking an adaptation to the aesthetic canons of French classicism. This work is part of a context of modernization of noble residences, where comfort and symmetry took on an increasing place. The interior, on the other hand, was entirely rethought in the 18th and 19th centuries, partially erasing the traces of previous epochs.

In 1833, the property left the Duhart family to pass into the hands of Henri Berdoly, a notable figure for his friendship with the symbolic painter Odilon Redon. He stayed at the castle several times, perhaps drawing inspiration from his dreamlike works. The monument, now owned by a private company, retains its period dovecote, testifying to its past seigneurial status. It has been a member of the Historical Monuments since 1996, protecting a heritage at the crossroads of Basque and French influences.

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