Villa Belza, Neo-medieval palace in Biarritz, France
Villa Belza is a neo-medieval building in Biarritz situated on the Halde rock formation with stone walls extending toward the Atlantic Ocean. The rectangular structure resembles a ship's bow pointing seaward.
Architect Alphonse Bertrand designed the structure in 1880 for Ange Dufresnay, with a tower and medieval architectural elements added fifteen years later. These additions gave the building its distinctive appearance.
During the 1920s, the villa became a Russian restaurant where Cossack choirs performed traditional songs and guests danced the Charleston. This phase made it a gathering place for performances and social events.
The building is not open to public visits, but its external architecture can be observed from nearby streets and Port Vieux beach. The best views are available from several vantage points along the coast.
The name Belza comes from Marie Belza Dubreuil and means black in Basque, connecting the building to local language heritage. This connection is rarely known despite its direct link to regional history.
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