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Origin and history

The castle of Garro, located in Mendionde in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is a primitive noble house of the Labourd, linked to the history of Navarre before its permanent connection to this province. Originally razed in the 13th century by order of the King of England, it was rebuilt in the 14th century. This castle became a symbol of local power when the lords of Garro, allied to the family of Urtubia, obtained its erection in barony in 1654 by letters patent in favour of Salvat d'Alzat d'Urtubie, husband of Marie de Garro.

In the 17th century, the barons of Urtubia de Garro undertook a major reconstruction of the castle around 1700, marking the climax of their influence on a vast estate. After the death of the last lord in 1923, the castle changed hands: acquired in 1930 by Jacques-Hyppolite Lesca, it was then home to the first agricultural school in the Basque Country, before being bequeathed to the city of Bayonne. Developments are made there without altering its historical character.

In 1995, the castle returned to the municipality of Mendionde, which became its owner. Over the decades, it has hosted various activities: a school of agriculture ( then transferred to Hasparren), a cheese factory, a holiday colony, and a place of catechism. Today, it houses a sculptor's workshop and serves as a framework for cultural events. Listed as historical monuments in 2015, it includes the castle, its outbuildings, its terraces, and an old half-moon ditch. A dispute persists, however, the last legitimate heir, Ramuntxo Biscay says Garro, still claiming ownership of the estate.

Its architecture and history reflect the political and social evolution of the Labourd, between Navarrai influence, seigneurial power, and modern adaptations. The castle also illustrates the complex transmission of heritage, between family heritages, public donations, and contemporary local issues.

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