Spain is a holiday destination loved by travellers around the world for many reasons including gorgeous beaches and sunshine.
But besides its coastline, there’s one thing that this beautiful country holds that will leave you completely struck – but it’s well underground.
The village of Brihueg, known for its Jardin de la Alcarria lavender fields, is a home to the country’s largest undgeround maze– guaranteed to leave you absolutely mesmorised.
The Arab caves were built between the 10th and 11th centuries and today they have become an incredible landmark in the village.
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 caves 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, which just highlights the rich history that Brihuega holds right down to origins of its name.
Brihuega derieves from the Iberian word which translates as strong or walled place and appearing in medieval documents as Castrum Biga.
Located in the province of Guadalajara, the village’s website states: “Moreover, due to the strategic location, some of the most important battles have taken place in this town. The area now occupied by Brihuega had Iberian settlements many centuries before the Christian era.
“Archaeological remains have been found proving this, including ceramics and weapons. At the beginning of the last century, in the area known as Arroyo de la villa, a Celtiberian necropolis was excavated where several globular urns containing ashes were found.”
In the Middle Ages, the village first appears in histroy as a significant population centre, mentioned as Castrum Brioca or castle on the rock.
During this time, Brihuega was also a passage point for major figures and home to Alfonso VI, who later became king, living in the village under the hospitality of King Al-Mamun of Toledo.
The Arab caves of Jardin de la Alcarria are just one example of the significant history that the village has cherished, allowing those who visit to almost go back in time and almost experience what life was like in the past.
Those who would like to visit the maze pay an admissions fee of €3 (£2.54).
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