Registration for Historic Monuments 6 avril 1984 (≈ 1984)
Order to protect the remains.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Protohistoric fortifications of the barred spur type (Box A 844, 845): inscription by order of 6 April 1984
Origin and history
The protohistoric fortifications of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, also present in the neighbouring commune of Saint-Martin-d'Arrossa, are an archaeological site classified as a barred spur. This type of defensive structure, typical of Protohistory, bears witness to the fortification techniques used by local populations to protect and control territories.
The monument was inscribed under the title of Historic Monuments by order of 6 April 1984, thus recognizing its heritage importance. The protected elements specifically include the remains of the fortifications, located on cadastral plots A 844 and 845. The precise location of the site, although known via GPS coordinates, is considered to be of poor accuracy (note 5/10), which may complicate its exact identification on the ground.
The Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, where Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is located, was in the Protohistory an area of passage and exchanges between local populations and surrounding cultures. Barred spurs, like this one, often served as shelters or monitoring points, reflecting a social organization marked by defensive needs and increasing mastery of construction techniques.
Today, the site is referenced in the Mérimée base under the code Insee 64477, attached to the commune of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry in the former Aquitaine region (now Nouvelle-Aquitaine). No information is available about its accessibility to the public, its visit, or any associated services such as rentals or accommodation.
