THE DECOR OF THE ASTONISHING IMPERIAL CHAPEL
Empress Eugénie de Montijo, the wife of Emperor of Napoleon III, wanted to build a chapel as a place of worship close to her Biarritz villa. She entrusted the task to Émile Boeswillwald, a disciple of Viollet-le-Duc, who oversaw the building’s construction in the imperial park between 1864 and 1866.
The Imperial Chapel harmoniously combines Romanesque-Byzantine and Hispano-Moorish styles. It’s dedicated to the Mexican Black Madonna, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. The chapel is the only building remaining from the imperial holidays in the city and was classed as a historic monument in 1981.
Only a few masses are celebrated yearly, including for Napoleon III’s and Empress Eugénie’s anniversaries. The chapel is open to visitors all year round, making it a must to admire its decor and magnificent painted ceilings.
When you arrive, you immediately notice the entrance porch carved with symbols of the Empire: eagles, ‘NE’ for Napoleon-Eugénie and the imperial crown. The combination of varnished brick and white limestone, embellished with faience tiles, colourful cabochons and stained-glass windows, gives the chapel a welcoming appearance.
Once you go through the door, you’ll marvel at the decoration inside inspired by Byzantine and Moorish styles – a painting of a thousand colours. Be sure to look around. The most spectacular sights inside are the frescos, and the inner side of the walls adorned with azulejo tiles. In the apse, the highlight is Our Lady of Guadalupe herself in front of a golden star.
A precious treasure in Biarritz, the Imperial Chapel will open its doors to you and transport you into imperial history.