The Harrieta Castle

History of the Castle
Numerous events that left their mark on local life over past centuries found their setting at the Harrieta castle. According to historians, the castle was built in the 12th century, and belonged to Lord Othsoa de Ferriette. It underwent a series of fires and restorations at the end of the 17th and 19th centuries.

A very ancient institution known as the Junta de Cize, or the Cize Rulers' Association, consolidating some twenty municipalities, formerly had the role of governing over and administrating its assets and settling disputes. Historians have found in their archives numerous decrees highlighting the significance and power of this association, both in local life and in its relationship with royal authorities.

From the castle balcony, now lost to the ages, the lords of Harrieta would, for centuries, give public readings to the populace of the decisions made by the Junta. There are also sometimes tragic incidents that still dwell in local memory. Thus it was that in May 1685, Lord Bernard of Harrieta was attacked by villagers for having proclaimed its annexation to the royal salt mines of the neighbouring village of Aincille. That popular rebellion was put down in a blood bath.

On this subject, you may read the study by Maya Gonzalez: "La Gabelle en Basse-Navarre: la saline d'Ugarre à l'époque de Louis XIV (1683-1692)" at the site Euskonews & Media.

Religion at Harrieta

This quick overview would be remiss not to mention the importance of the religious aspect. Sainte Magdeleine of Harrieta, the church adjoining the castle, was for many years a place of devotion and congregation for the faithful. After its destruction, cultural rites took place in an odd underground, Roman-style chamber located beneath the interior courtyard of the castle. A narrow stairway encased by thick walls still provides access to this vaulted chamber where secret masses were held during the French Revolution.

The Cagots at Harrieta

The story of the Cagots (sometimes known as the Agots) of the Basque country, has significant roots to be found at Harrieta. The lords of this site constantly offered protection to this group that were targeted for persecution. Parochial records bear witness to alliances between nobles of the Harrieta and Cagots families, as well as to the presence in the former cemetery adjoining the castle of graves bearing Cagot families.

The diaspora originating at Harrieta

Around 1702, a member of the Harrieta family took part in the founding of the city of Mobile, Alabama, in the U.S.
In 1950, Claude Berhouet, who was born at Harrieta, emigrated to the U.S. He is credited by the Basque community in California for the creation of the San Francisco Basque Club.

For more information:

Read the record created on the Harrieta castle in "Mérimée", the data base of the French Ministry of Culture.