A charming medieval town in Spain that is adored for its sweeping lavender fields that cover more than 1,000 hectares. Brihuega, a picturesque location home to the country’s largest underground maze, is approximately 62 miles from Madrid.
Located in the Tajuña Valley in Guadalajara province possesses a, Tuscan-style mixture of heritage and breathtaking landscapes but with nowhere near as many tourists. However, visitors flock to the Insta-perfect location of the lavender field to strike a pose among the purple flowers and buy essential oils. You can even purchase beer and cheese that are made from the blooms. Every July, Brihuega celebrates its famous festival, with sunset concerts between the fields.
While the lavender fields are the main event in summer, Brihuega has plenty to offer throughout the year with its stunning medieval architecture, atmospheric plazas, and a labyrinth of 10th century Arab caves beneath its centre that were originally used for storage and as escape tunnels during sieges.
The labyrinth of galleries and tunnels stretches eight kilometres (5miles) through the subsurface of Bruihuega, but only around 500 – 700 metres of the cave system is available for visits.
According to its website, the Arab caves of Jardin de la Alcarria were used during sieges as an escape route and its constant tempreture of 12C year-round, allowed it to be used as food storage in the past, highlighting the rich history that Brihuega holds right down to origins of its name.
Located in the Santa Lucía neighbourhood, the highest part of Brihuega, you will find the Royal Cloth Factory which was built during the second half of the 18th century.
A treasure of the 18th century industrial complex the factory was a gift from the Bourbons to the town for their support in the Spanish War of Successio.
Every August the town celebrates the annual bull run which see’s bulls released to the fields. Declared a ‘Festival of Regional Tourist Interest it is one of the oldest bull-running events in Spain.
Brihuega is also a great horse riding destination. Visitors can trek the surroundings of the town as well as the lavender fields on horseback.
