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Origin and history

The chapel Saint-Jean-de-Berraute of Mauléon-Licharre came into being in the 13th century, probably founded by the Templars before passing under the responsibility of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. This monument served as a stage for pilgrims going to Compostela, illustrating its religious and logistical role in the network of medieval roads. Its original architecture, now partially extinct, included a nave, a vaulted choir and a Trinitarian bell tower, characteristic of the hospital buildings of the time.

In the 17th century, the chapel houses the burial of Bernard Goyeneche, parish priest of Moncayolle nicknamed Matalas, central figure of the popular insurrection of 1661-1662 against violations of Basque customs. This link to a landmark event in local history reinforces its heritage importance. The building, partially destroyed in the 19th century, retains only its choir, consolidated to form an independent chapel. The western facade, rebuilt by taking over the cut-pane style of the bedside, and the 17th century portal, framed with pilasters and surmounted by a triangular pediment, testify to successive changes.

Classified as a Historical Monument in 1984, the chapel is distinguished by its octagonal plan resulting from the reconstruction of the 19th century, where the broken arches of the old transept were blocked. The modern campanile, later added, crowns a preserved roof. Owned by Mauléon-Licharre (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), this site combines Templar heritage, memory of peasant revolts and evolutionary religious architecture, reflecting the historical strata of New Aquitaine.

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