The House of the Infanta, situated in the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is a testament to the region's rich architectural and historical legacy. Originally built around 1640 by Basque merchant Joannot de Haraneder, this impressive building once served as a luxurious retreat for the Spanish and French royalty. The house boasts towers, brick and stone facades, and Italian-style galleries, offering a glimpse into the incredible opulence of the past.
It was in 1660 that the House of the Infanta played host to the Spanish Infanta, Marie-Thérèse, as she prepared to marry the French King, Louis XIV. The couple, who were both 22 years old and double cousins, were married in the nearby Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church after a joint confession at the Ciboure convent of Recollets.
In 1660, the house also welcomed Louis XIV's grandchildren, the duke of Bourgogne and the duke of Berry. Later, in 1701, it provided lodging for the duke of Bourgogne and the duke of Berry on their way to Madrid.
In 1854, Napoleon III and Eugénie stayed there when the house belonged to a Parisian lawyer, Émile Pécarrère.
Visitors today can marvel at the grand salon, which features a 17th-century sculpted chimney adorned with dauphins and angel heads, and the oratory boasting a breathtaking view of the port and the Rhune. An inscription above the door reads, 'The Infanta I received in the year 1660, it is called since the Infanta's castle.'
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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