Construction of the mansion XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Period of initial building construction.
1660
Souletin Revolt
Souletin Revolt 1660 (≈ 1660)
Matalas led the insurrection against the Bearn.
8 novembre 1660
Execution of Matalas
Execution of Matalas 8 novembre 1660 (≈ 1660)
Decapitation after treason and arrest.
1830
Partial renovations
Partial renovations 1830 (≈ 1830)
Minor architectural changes made.
18 juin 1973
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 18 juin 1973 (≈ 1973)
Protection of facades and roofs by stop.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Facades and roofs (Case A 221): inscription by order of 18 June 1973
Key figures
Bernard de Goyheneche (dit Matalas) - Moncayolle parish priest and rebel leader
Threatened the 1660 revolt against the Bearn.
Origin and history
The Manor House of Moncayolle-Larrory-Mendibieu is a noble house built in the 15th century, characteristic of local architecture with its gable walls and flat roof tiles on steep slopes. The building, partially remodeled around 1830, retains sill windows spread over three levels, while a rectangular tower staircase serves the floors. This monument bears witness to the seigneurial heritage of the Soule, the historical region of the French Basque Country.
This mansion belonged to the Goyheneche family, of which Bernard de Goyheneche, nicknamed Matalas, was a central figure. In 1660 he led the Souletins' revolt against their forced attachment to the Béarn and the crown of France. Arrested after a betrayal, Matalas was beheaded on 8 November 1660, marking the end of this insurrection. The building, classified as a Historic Monument in 1973 for its facades and roofs, thus embodies a significant episode of local resistance.
The architecture of the mansion reflects its status as a noble residence, with discrete defensive elements and subsequent developments, such as the modifications of the 19th century. Its location at 84 Chemin du Presbytère, in a preserved rural setting, makes it a witness to both Basque political history and the evolution of fortified houses in New Aquitaine. The accuracy of its location is estimated a priori satisfactory, according to the available data.