Brihuega – the lavender city

Brihuega is a municipality and town in the province of Guadalajara, in the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. The city is famous for its lavender festival.

Tourism and main attractions

In 1973 the historic center of Brihuega was declared a historical-artistic complex, comprising the main monuments of the city.

In Brihuega there are three churches from the 13th century: the church of San Felipe, the church of San Miguel and the church of Santa María de la Peña.

There are also remains of the old church of San Simón.

There are sections of the old wall that surrounded the town, with two of its gates still standing: the Cozagón arch and the Cadena gate. To the south stands the castle of Brihuega, whose interior has served as a cemetery.

Nearby are the Brihuega bullring, whose architect was Ambrosio Arroyo, and the San José convent, today an exhibition space.

Another of the buildings to stand out in the town is the Royal Cloth Factory from the 18th century.

On the outskirts there are remains of the Ibarra Palace.

The lavender fields of Brihuega, brushed with an intense violet hue, constitute a wonderful and unique image of the region.

The play of peculiar colors that are generated by the mutation of light, together with the breeze in the air that causes an unequaled swaying of the lavender flowers and the intoxicating aroma that completely soaks the air, make traveling through these fields an experience, unforgettable emotional and sensory.

In july Brihuega adorns its streets and the violet color invades all its squares and corners. Guided visits to the lavender fields are organized every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Festivals

  • Spring bullfight traditionally held in April
  • Lavender Festival, held at the end of July 23
  • The Wax Procession, which is celebrated on August 14
  • Brihuega Running of the Bulls, held on August 16.

How to get to?

From Madrid 1 hr 16 min (97.6 km) via A-2

From Toledo 1 hr 41 min (161 km) via A-42 and A-2

From Guadalajara 26 min (33.8 km) via A-2 and CM-2011

Main information

Area: 296 sq. km

GPS coordinates: 40°45′38″N 2°52′09″W

Language: Spanish

Population: 2 378

Currency: Euro

Visa: Schengen

Time: Central European UTC +1, in summer +2

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