Built by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Edmond Duthoit, both patronized by the explorer Antoine d'Abbadie, between 1864 and 1879, it is classified as a historic monument and "Maison des Illustres".

Three turrets complete the structure, on the round tower (facing northeast) at the southeastern end of the wing leading to the chapel and at the northeastern corner of the observatory (stairway).

The entrance porch lies southeast between the two wings; the doorway opens into the large vestibule (south of the central tower), 10 meters (33 feet) high, beneath the statue of Abdullah.

Everywhere, formulas in Basque, Irish, Guèze, Arabic, Latin, English or German testify to the cultural curiosity and philosophical values of Antoine d'Abbadie.

A snake is an ambivalent symbol of Muslim culture, hayya evokes the myth of creation, Eve and El Hay, one of the names of God, the Invigorating One.