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Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Spanish town begs 'please come Monday to Thursday' after crowds cause 'collapse'
As Spain continues its battle against overtourism, one town has a specific request: it wants visitors to stay away at weekends. Brihuega, in central Spain, is famous for its lavender fields that cover more than 1,000 hectares. Visitors flock to the Insta-perfect location to pose among the purple flowers and buy essential oils — and even beer and cheese — made from the blooms. But Brihuega has become so popular that Mayor Luis Vuego has asked tourists to plan their trips on weekdays, to help ease pressure on local services. 'I recommend visiting us from Monday to Thursday, please,' he said. 'It's more difficult on weekends due to the large number of people who come. 'Last Saturday, for example, the town collapsed. I had a bad time.' Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Speaking to the ABC Newspaper, Mayor Luis said the town receives 8 million euros in just a few weeks when the lavender is in bloom. But it also means a huge influx of visitors – around 140,000 – in a short period, which is getting increasingly difficult to manage. In particular, the narrow historic streets are not designed for so many people. 'We work hard, we have a security committee, but it's still a large turnout,' said the mayor. That's why I insist: please come from Monday to Thursday.' Mayor Luis doesn't want tourists to stay away entirely, though. The region recently opened its first five-star hotel, and there are plans for a park-and-ride and shuttle buses, scheduled to be up and running by next year. But what is there to see in Brihuega aside from its famous lavender fields? While lavender season runs from late June to the end of July, Brihuega is a year-round destination. Situated in the Tajuna Valley, it has 'amazing heritage and scenic landscapes, according to Spain's tourism board. One of its top attractions are the Arab Caves of Brihuega. This 'hidden world', which dates back to the 10th-Century, was used for escape routes during sieges, and as a storage space for food and other supplies, due to its consistent temperature of 12C. The caves are located in the town centre near the main square, Plaza del Coso. The underground network is estimated to be around five miles long, but only around 500 metres of the caves are accessible to the public. Aside from its impressive caves, Brihuega is steeped in history. Its medieval streets boast porticoed squares including the Calle Mayor, Plaza del Coso and the Calle de Armas, and monuments including a prison built during the reign of King Charles III and Renaissance-era mansions. @luan_quishpe Brihuega es uno de los pueblos más bonitos de Guadalajara para pasar el día, cada vez más conocido entre los turistas por la floración de la lavanda, que llega a su esplendor a mediados de julio. Los oriundos de Brihuega siempre la llamaron espliego, que es el verdadero nombre de la lavanda, y esa preciosa planta es la que ha acabado por dar fama a la villa briocense. Pero el color morado también tiñe la ciudad: paseando por Brihuega descubrirás cómo la villa se ha entregado a la lavanda, con balcones, puertas, ventanas en color malva. ♬ Love Story – Indila – Penguin Piano Brihuega is also home to one of the oldest bull-running events in Spain, held each year on August 16. Declared a 'Festival of Regional Tourist Interest', it involves a herd of bulls being released from the bullring to run through the streets of the town. If that's not your cup of tea, Brihuega is a great horse riding destination. Visitors can trek the surroundings of the town as well as the lavender fields on horseback. The experience is suited for all levels with one-hour tours starting from €40 per person during the summer. Hot air balloon rides are also available to book over the stunning fields with various local tour groups. Just an hour's drive from Madrid, Brihuega is perfect for a day trip from Spain's cosmopolitan capital. The closest airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, which is around 52 minutes by car. There are plenty of rental car options, and you can expect prices of anything from €20-€70 per day. If you're visiting on public transport, expect a longer journey. Overall, the trip takes around three and a half hours. You'll have to catch a train from Atocha to Guadalajara, then hop on a bus there to Brihuega. More Trending There is a service called the Lavender Train that connects Madrid to Brihuega during the month of July, when the lavender fields are in full bloom. It includes a train and coach transfer to Brihuega, a guided tour of the historic centre, and transport to the lavender fields. Tickets are sold on Renfe's official website and usually sell out quickly. This year, tickets were priced at €50 for adults €20 for children. If you're dying to visit — make sure to go between Monday and Thursday. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I spent a weekend in Ireland's best-kept secret — the rain didn't matter at all MORE: Meet Sarina Wiegman's husband Marten Glotzbach cheering her on in Women's Euros Final MORE: Ian Wright speaks out on England's surprise change for Women's Euro 2025 final against Spain
Mint
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
For the best wristwatches, you need to look beyond Switzerland to German and Japanese brands
In my last column, I had written about the importance of the Junghans Max Bill wristwatch and its ties with one of the most important design movements of the 20th century—Bauhaus design. Writing it got me thinking about the diversity of world-class watchmaking outside Switzerland, specifically in Germany and Japan. When we think of watchmaking, we (rightly) immediately think of the Swiss. That is historically fair, since Geneva has been a hub of the manufacture of timepieces since the 16th century, including the establishment of a watchmaking guild in 1601. The industry became even bigger with the Industrial Revolution. However, in this, the Swiss weren't alone. Since the 16th century, at various points, watchmaking has flourished in Germany, France, England and the US. Whether it is Nuremberg in Germany in the early 16th century, or Blois in Renaissance-era France, the art of watchmaking has had many founding centres. England made significant strides in the 18th and 19th centuries in precision timekeeping, and the US experienced a watch manufacturing boom in the mid-19th century, with new industrial processes posing a serious competition to Swiss manufacture for a while. And then there is Japan, where some of the best watches in the world are made these days. For watch lovers, Japanese high-end watchmaking, particularly that of the country's two powerhouses, Seiko and Citizen, has always been more about purpose than flex. Seiko has been making watches since 1892, and since the 1960s, it has been at the forefront of some of the most meaningful innovations and changes in global watchmaking. From the everyday Seiko 5 line of budget automatics to legendary dive watches like the Turtle and the Willard, Seiko filled every niche. It then beat the Swiss at their own game by releasing the world's first quartz watch in 1969, the Astron, causing the 'Quartz Crisis", where mechanical watchmakers either had to innovate or perish. Meanwhile, the brand continues to offer mechanical pieces that punch far above their price point. Seiko's crown jewel has been Grand Seiko, which began life in 1960 as the manufacture's attempt to make high-end wristwatches. It is perhaps the most precise articulation of the Japanese approach to craftsmanship. Created to rival the very best Swiss chronometers, Grand Seiko watches are not really about flash, but embody the Japanese principle of monozukuri—making things with a deep sense of pride and precision. A post shared by Watchout (@watchoutblog) Grand Seiko movements—whether mechanical, quartz or the uniquely hybrid Spring Drive—are built entirely in-house, often by individual watchmakers. A Grand Seiko always tells a unique story, and in the narrative-driven world of wristwatches, that is no mean feat. Meanwhile Citizen, which has been making watches since 1924, took quartz movements and spun out excellent watches—from legendary quartz divers to the class-leading solar quartz watches using the Eco-Drive technology. But this isn't all that Citizen does; it also creates the widely used Miyota automatic movements. Moreover, its high-end quartz watches are ridiculously accurate. The Chronomaster is accurate to within five seconds a year, while the Caliber 0100 is accurate to within one second per year! I started this column talking about the Junghans Max Bill. Well, Junghans is a storied old German watchmaker which began making timepieces back in 1861. In 1903, it had the largest watch factory in the world, and even till the 1950s, it ranked only behind Rolex and Omega when it came to manufacturing high-accuracy chronometer movements. But these days, when it comes to high-end German watches, you have to look to the secluded Saxon town of Glashütte, where you'll find some of the most lionised watch manufactures outside of Switzerland: A. Lange & Söhne and Nomos Glashütte. A. Lange & Söhne makes watches that are spoken of in the same breath as Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe. The company's history dates back to 1845, when Ferdinand Adolph Lange set up shop in Glashütte to bring precision timekeeping to the Kingdom of Saxony. The company was nationalised after World War II and disappeared behind the Iron Curtain, only to be spectacularly reborn in 1994 after German reunification. It has since become one of the most respected names in global haute horlogerie. Lange watches are unapologetically German: sober, precise, almost architectural in their beauty. Think of the Lange 1 with its off-centre dial and outsized date window—an instant classic when it debuted, and still one of the most distinctive watches in the world. Or the Datograph, widely regarded as one of the finest chronographs in production. Every Lange movement is built, then dismantled, then built again—a double assembly process that ensures perfection. And their hand-engraved balance cocks, unique to each watch, are like signatures whispered rather than shouted. A post shared by Sean Song (@ At the other end of the Glashütte spectrum is Nomos. Where Lange is baroque precision and gravitas, Nomos is Bauhaus minimalism and youthfulness. Founded in 1990, Nomos is a modern brand with old-school ideals: in-house calibres, precise engineering, and clean, thoughtful design. Nomos watches like the Tangente or the Neomatik don't try to dazzle—they sit on the wrist like well-cut clothing. And beneath that stripped-down aesthetic lies serious horological ambition. Nomos designs and manufactures its own escapement—the 'Swing System"—a feat few watchmakers in the world attempt. When it comes to Japanese and German watches, these four brands make an incomplete list. Which goes to show that while the Swiss are the leaders in the world of watchmaking, they are certainly not alone in making the best watches in the world. Handwound is a monthly column on watches and watchmaking.
The Age
07-07-2025
- The Age
The Dubai of its day, this ancient mini-Rome flies under the tourist radar
Nowhere better preserves the classic layout of a Roman town, so don't be so distracted by individual monuments that you miss the superb planning. Main artery the Cardo – rutted by chariot wheels – runs 800 metres and is lined by battered, truncated but still glorious columns. It leads to an elegant forum and is bisected by two other streets that connect temples, theatres, marketplaces, bathhouses and gateways. A lookout point near South Theatre shows off Jerash's size and urban organisation. 4 Admire one of the greatest spaces in all antiquity Jerash's forum is oval shaped, although most Roman forums were rectangular, and it seems to anachronistically echo the Renaissance-era piazza fronting St Peter's Basilica in Rome. More than 90 metres long, the forum is embraced in a curve of pillars that throw changing shadows over patterned flagstones that radiate out from the centre. Through the pillars, you get views to ancient Jerash in one direction and the whitewashed hillside houses of the modern town in the other. 5 Pay your respects to Zeus, twice over The Temple of Zeus sits on a small hill and, despite its dilapidation, still projects an impression of size, power and importance. Its building blocks look as if they were carved by giants, while fallen friezes are delicately carved with geometric patterns and flowers. Meanwhile, in the Upper Temple of Zeus only some columns remain, but at 15 metres high they're wonderfully impressive. Many more lie tumbled below like an outsized Jenga set on which lizards sun themselves. 6 Provide a small donation and see pillars shake The Temple of Artemis has 11 surviving pillars, each elaborately carved from beautiful golden stone that glows under the sunlight. Guides like to insert coins into fissures in the column's stonework; their perturbing vibration suggests the columns are trembling too, even though they've stood there for 19 centuries. Is this a trick of a Jordanian guide, or a clever Roman architect? You'll be half doubtful, half delighted: something else in Jerash to amaze you. 7 Linger until late afternoon Loading Time your visit so you're still here when the sun is low and tour coaches have departed. As sheep's bells tinkle from surrounding hillsides, you might have the ruins to yourself but for prowling cats. The last of the souvenir sellers doze among fallen pillars. The late sun turns Jerash's stonework to gold. You'll get a fine and peaceful impression of the beauty, yet total abandonment, of this ancient city.
Sydney Morning Herald
07-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
The Dubai of its day, this ancient mini-Rome flies under the tourist radar
Nowhere better preserves the classic layout of a Roman town, so don't be so distracted by individual monuments that you miss the superb planning. Main artery the Cardo – rutted by chariot wheels – runs 800 metres and is lined by battered, truncated but still glorious columns. It leads to an elegant forum and is bisected by two other streets that connect temples, theatres, marketplaces, bathhouses and gateways. A lookout point near South Theatre shows off Jerash's size and urban organisation. 4 Admire one of the greatest spaces in all antiquity Jerash's forum is oval shaped, although most Roman forums were rectangular, and it seems to anachronistically echo the Renaissance-era piazza fronting St Peter's Basilica in Rome. More than 90 metres long, the forum is embraced in a curve of pillars that throw changing shadows over patterned flagstones that radiate out from the centre. Through the pillars, you get views to ancient Jerash in one direction and the whitewashed hillside houses of the modern town in the other. 5 Pay your respects to Zeus, twice over The Temple of Zeus sits on a small hill and, despite its dilapidation, still projects an impression of size, power and importance. Its building blocks look as if they were carved by giants, while fallen friezes are delicately carved with geometric patterns and flowers. Meanwhile, in the Upper Temple of Zeus only some columns remain, but at 15 metres high they're wonderfully impressive. Many more lie tumbled below like an outsized Jenga set on which lizards sun themselves. 6 Provide a small donation and see pillars shake The Temple of Artemis has 11 surviving pillars, each elaborately carved from beautiful golden stone that glows under the sunlight. Guides like to insert coins into fissures in the column's stonework; their perturbing vibration suggests the columns are trembling too, even though they've stood there for 19 centuries. Is this a trick of a Jordanian guide, or a clever Roman architect? You'll be half doubtful, half delighted: something else in Jerash to amaze you. 7 Linger until late afternoon Loading Time your visit so you're still here when the sun is low and tour coaches have departed. As sheep's bells tinkle from surrounding hillsides, you might have the ruins to yourself but for prowling cats. The last of the souvenir sellers doze among fallen pillars. The late sun turns Jerash's stonework to gold. You'll get a fine and peaceful impression of the beauty, yet total abandonment, of this ancient city.
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish pub with mysterious 17th century love story sold for new development plans
The Stag Inn in Falkland, Fife, near Falkland Palace, features a rare lintel carved with the initials IL and EF and a heart. At one time, newlyweds across the British Isles marked their marriage by carving their initials and wedding date into stones placed above the doorways of their first homes. These 'marriage lintels' are usually found on stately homes and historic buildings, making it rare to spot one in a pub. But drinkers at The Stag Inn in Falkland, Fife, are in for a unique treat. This historic pub, located just a stone's throw from Falkland Palace, boasts a lintel carved with the initials IL and EF, a heart, and the date 1680, Scottish Daily Express reports. Though the story of the lovers behind these markings remains a mystery, their legacy endures as visitors raise a glass in their honour. Falkland Palace itself is a stunning example of Scottish Renaissance architecture, commissioned between 1501 and 1541 by King James IV and his son, James V. Built as a 'pleasure palace' for falconry and hunting, it was frequently used by the Stuart kings. Mary, Queen of Scots, once remarked that the palace reminded her of the chateaux of the French Royal Court where she was raised. With its magnificent turrets and grand archway, the palace's entrance looks as if it has stepped out of a fairytale. Inside, visitors can explore exquisite features such as the detailed panelling in the drawing room, the beautiful Chapel Royal where mass is still held every Sunday, the fascinating painted walls of the library, and re-created royal apartments. The tranquil grounds offer even more to discover, including Britain's oldest real tennis court, built for King James V, and an ancient orchard with a wildflower meadow. The extensive formal garden was designed by Percy Cane, and visitors can also enjoy a physic garden filled with Renaissance-era herbal remedies. The village of Falkland itself sits picturesque on the banks of the River Eden just north of Glenrothes. Home to just over 1,000 people, it is also famous as the ancestral home of American country music legend Johnny Cash. Recently, the freehold of The Stag Inn was sold by business property specialists Christie & Co. The pub, formerly owned by Bruce Taverns, has been purchased by a local family with ambitious plans for its development. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Scott Piatkowski of Bruce Taverns said: 'We are delighted to achieve this freehold sale, after what started out as the sale of a new lease. We would like to thank Simon Watson for his perseverance in finding the right buyer to take the pub forward.' Simon Watson, Business Agent for Pubs and Restaurants at Christie & Co, added: 'This sale demonstrates that appetite is still strong for traditional pubs in rural parts of Scotland, despite trade-related headwinds. "If you are considering selling, I would encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss your exit plans.' The Stag Inn's freehold was sold for an undisclosed sum.
