Abbadia castle
Fascinated by geography, astronomy and oriental culture, Antoine d'Abbadie (1810-1897) was an extraordinary scholar.
He drew the first map of Ethiopia. His strong attachment to the Basque Country led him to fervently support the region's language and culture.
His castle, property of the Academy of Science, was constructed facing the ocean by Eugène Viollet Le Duc between 1860 and 1870.
Built in a neo-gothic style, the building takes its inspiration from the fortified castles of the Middle Ages and bears the influence of its owner's passion for the orient (the decoration reflects the numerous voyages undertaken by the scholar, frescos with African symbols, etc.).
It also houses a former observatory and a chapel where Antoine d'Abbadie is buried.
Château d'Abbadia
Fondation Antoine d'Abbadie
Route de la Corniche
64700 HENDAYE - FRANCE
Tel. : 0033 5 59 20 04 51 - Fax : 0033 5 59 20 90 51
Web : www.chateau-abbadia.fr
E-mail : chateau.abbadia@wanadoo.fr
