[1] The castle is located in a fertile part of the Urdaibai estuary, not far from the historic town of Guernica.

Unlike Spanish castles built for defense, it is not in an elevated position but on a plain or meadow, surrounded by trees and other vegetation.

The original manor house was said to have been built in the eighth century by Fortún Ortúnez and Sancho Gaúteguiz, and was destroyed and rebuilt many times.

The decision to build the new castle, or chateau, was in response to a decree in 1856 by the assembly of Basque country that the Prince Imperial was a Viscayan.

At the request of the empress, the emperor sent his architects to the town to draw up plans for the new building and undertake construction.

[7] When Eugenia was dethroned and wanted to settle in Spain, she was hosted by Alba in Madrid and Seville, and did not use the castle.

The second floor was used as a bedroom of the imperial couple and has a small chapel with two beautiful stained glass windows.