The fortified town was founded in 1302, by Marguerite de Moncada, Viscountess of Béarn, after she had purchased the land from the Hôpital Sainte-Christine de Gabas. Nay had much to suffer throughout its history; the town was destroyed in 1534 by a fire, of unknown origin, which entirely consumed the city. Shortly thereafter, the religious wars followed, and in 1569, the papists plundered the town, and the Huguenots returned with vigor. Among Protestants who emigrated, Mr. Olivier, an ancestor of British actorSir Laurence Olivier. The town was famous for other children, including De Solano, born in 1772, who became Governor of the Manila Islands. Thereafter, Nay became a very industrial city, specializing in spinning, which flourished in this area so much so, that it became nicknamed "Little Manchester".
Heraldry
City administration
In 1973, Nay and the nearby commune of Bourdettes merged into a single commune. They remained merged until 1 January 1997. In 2006, the communal government had thirty-two officers and employees; this was fewer than it had been in 2001.
Demographics
Religious heritage
The Église Saint-Vincent : The west wall was built before the fortified town and the bell of 1245, which still rings. The bell tower was added in 1520. Orgue de Busnel : pulpit, font and leaf, Way of the Cross, statues and paintings. Chapelle Saint-Joseph : stained glass.
Civil heritage
Maison Carrée de Jeanne d'Albret , home built in the style of the Italian Renaissance. The Maison is organized around its courtyard and garden, testifying to the properties due to the textile industry.
Vaulted galleries on 4 levels, stairs, frame home on the street, wooden railings, fireplaces, floors and ceilings. Includes an exposition of Béarnais furniture from the 17th through the start of the 19th century, representing the major schools of furniture of béarnaise ethnology. Temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
To see
Le musée du béret
The making of bells
La Minoterie
The town market
The Maison Carrée de Jeanne d'Albret
Projects
A portion of downtown Nay has been renovated. The first step was the burial of networks and upgrading of roads, pavements and street furniture on Rue Gambetta, Rue Clémenceau, Rue Saint-Vincent and Rue Notre Dame. The renovation of Allées Chanzy is the second installment. These aisles have wider sidewalks, lined with stone slabs, with modern street furniture, as well as new planting. Finally, the renovation of the City Square, Place de la République, will complete the phase of work in the city center.
Transfer of the public retirement home in the way of Chemin de Montreuil.
Construction of a new intermunicipal pool between Chemin de Montjoie and Chemin de Laclaü.
Construction of a new parking lot, to replace la place de la République, which will disappear.
Events
Les fêtes de Nay - a five-day festival approximately falling on 24 August. Numerous festivities occur, including fireworks, during the festival.
The Cancé Tournament - Rugby tournament occurring at the Stadium of Nay during Easter weekend.
