This is one of those trips that needs to be shared, one of those escapades that stick in the retina of unique moments, one of those accommodations that have marked the course of history: welcome to Arteaga Castle.
We got to the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve (Biscay), A World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where the Arteaga area is located and this imposing palace that he ordered to be built Napoleon III and his wife Eugenia de Montijo about the old Arteaga defense tower.
The Castle of Arteaga was remodeled by the Empress Maria Eugenia de Montijo.
Today, this castle has become an icon of the region, the tower remains dominant and majestic with privileged views of the beautiful estuary of Gernika, surrounded by green valleys and narrow estuaries populated by flock of birds
we got to the town of Guernica (A-231) because very close by is this palace-castle surrounded by a jungle nature. Contrary to the Spanish defensive castles, it is not located on a raised area, but on a plain surrounded by abundant vegetation. We are greeted by a dazzling neo-medieval architecture palace in which stands out a neogothic tower of limestone and marble inspired by the french gothic architecture
The castle preserves practically all the facade and the distribution from then, and like the dependencies, everything is taken care of in detail to transport you to the France of the 18th century, but with all the luxuries and comforts that we demand today.
Upon entering its facilities we discovered a magnificent courtyard what includes a terrace and leafy trees , which lead into the elegant lobby where the reception desk is located. receives us Irantzu Solaguren, Head of Reception , who gives us a tour of the facilities while she tells part of the history of this place that arouses so much interest to us:
“Although it has maintained its location since the 13th century, its current structure is the work of the French architects Couverchef and Ancelet, who rebuilt it in 1856 commissioned by the French emperors Napoleon III, last monarch of France, and Eugenia de Montijo , who carried out the recovery of the tower in gratitude to the appointment of his son Eugene Bonaparte as Biscayan of origin by the General Assemblies of Biscay”.
We immediately realized that this environment has known elegantly maintain its original features, adapting to the current style with amazing glass ceilings from where you can appreciate the beauty of the main tower.
surrounded by a stone and wood decoration we appreciate the mixture of the mastery of its period furniture fused with contemporary elements. There is the possibility of staying in any of its fourteen exquisite rooms, that keep their original characteristics intact.
Each of its rooms is unique, sophisticated and with an exclusive design both for its decoration and comforts and for its the views that surround it.
The room types are double (also for single use), junior suite and suite, all equipped with the smallest details and some with their own living room, fireplace, jacuzzi and even a small private pool in one of its towers Napoleon Suite.
We get lost in its facilities, which are separated by stone walls, With the certainty that if these walls could talk they would tell many stories , of those that remain reflected in the books for an eternity.
Vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and antique furnishings with an original decoration that transports us to France at the end of the 18th century, but with all the luxuries of a 4 star hotel.
It is a real pleasure to walk inch by inch through this imperial residence which today remains more majestic, if possible, than the one bequeathed by the emperors themselves. They tell us that the Castle of Artega is also prepared to welcome and celebrate weddings and exclusive events.
Maria Eugenia Suite.
We are surrounded by a fairytale space, perfect for an unforgettable 'yes, I do', in which we find Two classrooms, one with a capacity 300 diners and another for more intimate weddings up to 40 people.
All menus are preceded by a welcome cocktail which is served in the parade ground before entering the room where it is held the great banquet It is essential to give yourself a tribute in your gourmet restaurant with terrace, located on the roof and with panoramic views views of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.
Its traditional cuisine with an avant-garde touch offers various menus. We choose your braised scallop and shrimp, cauliflower cream and toasted almonds together with their Truffled duck, foie, sweet potato and yucca cannelloni.
For dessert we tried their imperial cake with warm milk cream and cinnamon ice cream (recipe with hundreds of years of history) together with the caramelized brioche French toast. A true festival of flavors!
Living room of one of the rooms.
TO DO
Although this accommodation invites you to stay nearby to enjoy an authentic trip to the past and feel like a true monarch, it is worth exploring the surroundings, full of rugged coastal cliffs, rivers, marshes, meadows and trails with several signposted routes for hiking either ride a bike.
don't miss out Oma Forest, with painted trees work of Agustín Ibarrola. Have a 7 kilometer loop trail Through the forest you walk in two hours. Wave Santimamine cave, with cave paintings from more than 14,000 years.
The hotel is located 10 minutes from the coast and of the spectacular beaches of Laida and Laga. Just 6 kilometers away we reach the town of Guernica where you can visit the museum of La Paz de Guernica , the famous mural by Picasso, the Park of the Peoples of Europe or the urban area.
Bilbao is just 35 minutes by car. The Castle of Artega , without a doubt, is an extraordinary palace to stay in, one of those magical places where time has stopped, keeping its essence and tradition intact.