Ihartze Artea - a unique history
Ihartze Artea is an authentic farmhouse in the Labourd, one of the 7 basque provinces. Its half-timbered north side has been built at the end of the 16th century, whereas the south side whithout half-timbering is from the17th century. This asymmetry provides an original and aesthetic style. Moreover, the main characteristic of Ihartze Artea, which makes it a listed monument, is inside.
Frescos painted by Gaspar Montes Iturrioz
GASPAR MONTES ITURRIOZ, a great basque painter, whom escaped from spain was pushed out by the civil war, and took refuge in Sare. In 1937 he decorated the main room of the house. He painted monumental frescos which depict scenes of basque life. We can see 3 different scenes of about 40 m², and the original logo of SARAKO IZARRA association, which borned in this room on september 1937.
These frescos are exceptional through their theme (pelota, dancing, music) and their pictorial style (refined, sober, respectable). These works are an homage to Saratars (Sare inhabitants) who took in hundreds of refugees, as Erresoinka company, which was badly regarded at that time.
Also see the TV report broadcasted on TF1 (first french TV channel) about the history of frecos
Erresoinka
The day after the air bombing of Guernica (april the 26th of 1937), The basque government who was led by président AGUIRRE, created a singing and dancing group to represent and develop basque culture nearby the international community. Hundred of singers, dancers and musicians were gathered in Sare to set Erresoinka up (Luis Mariano and the mother of Placido Domingo were between them).
Paul Dutournier and Doctor Lerremboure (the Mayor of Sare) welcomed them in this large and disused house : Ihartze Artea. In the large room on the ground floor, the music group trained for their european tour. They put on their first show at the famous Pleyel auditorium in Paris.
Ihartze Artea, a historical building
This house full of history is listed thanks to Gaspar Montes Iturrioz's frescos
According to Mrs Mauriac, who is the curator of listed monuments at the DRAC department, the frescos are a masterpiece of impresionism and neo-cubism art. They are an artistic testimony of history.
It is thanks to her, and to the help from the basque government, the bank Banque populaire, and the Sare town council, we can admire at present these frescos, which were restored in 2006 by the best french restorers, under Mrs Passicos's management.
Ihartze Artea Réceptions
Nowadays, the restored building of 1.000 m2 surface area, has 8 appatments and 2 reception rooms. The inside has been designed by an interior architect. In this unique place full of history, we invite you to enjoy ancient charm in modern conveniences. (3 to 4 star appartment).
Ihatze Artea, allée des Platanes, 64310 Sare, Pays Basque-Tél: 05.59.43.09.58-E-Mail: / Law reference