Free Republic

Spain already has symbols that travel the world – from flamenco to paella – but a colossal metal bull, at least 300 metres tall, is now being touted as the nation’s next global calling card. The idea comes from the Spanish Academy of Bullfighting, which wants the sculpture – working title ‘El Toro de España‘ – to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the great tourist icons. More than 30 towns and provinces have put a hand up to host it. One of them has sprinted to the front. Where the giant bull could rise: El Molar’s pitch The early frontrunner is El...

A remarkable piece of royal history has stepped out of the shadows, as Queen Mary of Denmark wore a 200-year-old tiara adorned with ancient stones for the very first time during a state banquet in Finland. The headpiece, originally owned by Queen Caroline Amalie, had been hidden away for over 140 years, making its debut a genuine showstopper at the glittering event hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Historic Cameo gemstones: Rare treasures from Pompeii resurface The Danish royal family revealed that the 11 gemstones on the slim gold band were collected by King Christian VIII himself, who ventured to...