Alcalá de Henares: a city with a vibrant historical memory

Ancient Spanish city, included in the UNESCO lists, incredibly honors the traditions of its country, which attracts thousands of tourists.

City `s history

The first settlements appeared in the Neolithic Age, later the territory was occupied by Celtic tribes. With the advent of the ancient Romans, the construction of a small policy, which has evolved through several centuries in Alcalá de Henares, began.

In the VIII century, the city, which received its current name, was under Arab rule, but several centuries later it was repulsed by the Spanish troops, who settled here densely. Thanks to a very advantageous geographical location, he led a lively trade and developed economically.

Over the years, representatives of various religious faiths coexisted peacefully in the city: Jews, Muslims and Christians.

Flowering and Decay

After the signing of the decree of the King of Castile on the opening of an educational institution that received the blessing of the Pope and turned into one of the most famous universities in the 15th century, the city acquired the status of a cultural center of the country.

Later, Alcalá de Henares declines, and the university is moved to the capital of Spain. Now it actually became a suburb of Madrid, having turned into a sleeping area.

Cervantes House Museum

A small city has a lot of sights, which visitors come to see tourists from around the globe.

Local residents are extremely proud of the house museum of the famous writer Cervantes, famous for his work on Don Quixote. The author of the immortal novel was born in 1547 and did not live long in his native city. Miguel de Cervantes studied at the university together with other figures of Spanish literature.

Memory of the past era

In the museum there is a huge collection of books about the ingenious hidalgo, released in all the languages of the world. In front of an ordinary-looking building, the sculptures of Don himself and his faithful servant Sancho Panza stiffened. All visitors to the museum are photographed with them for memory, but you can not take pictures inside.

Living rooms reproduce the interiors of the time when the great Miguel de Cervantes created, and visitors seem to be transferred to the era of beautiful ladies, in honor of whom feats were performed.

Main square

The city cherishes the memory of the beloved writer and is proud of it, so the popular main square, which can not be ignored, is named after him. The unrecognized genius died in poverty in Madrid, but after his death, Alcala de Henares recalled his talent and began to glorify his name.

Earlier in the city market, and now the square, executed executions and bullfight. Now special attention is drawn to two ancient chapels left from the medieval church, and a restored font in which Cervantes was baptized.

In the center of the Plaza Cervantes there is a bronze statue of the famous Renaissance humanist. A quiet and cozy square, surrounded by pretty houses in traditional Spanish style, pleases the views of foreigners.

There is also the municipality of Alcala de Henares, once a monastic monastery.

The longest street

And from the square there is the longest Spanish street with porticoes. Many centuries ago it was Jewish, and in its covered part there were shops of merchants. The main street and now is of interest to the guests of the city, it is filled with beautiful terraces, where you can drink sparkling wine and try the local cuisine.

Food Festivals

The citizens have a special attitude to food, and they often spend gastronomic festivals lasting a week. They are attended by all the restaurants of Alcalá de Henares, offering visitors traditional dishes. There are nourishing Caldos broths, garlic soups, roasted chestnuts, donuts and puff pastry.

Palacio Arzobispal

Not far from the central square is the Archbishop's Palace, built in Gothic and Moorish styles. Many times the building being reconstructed today is a majestic ensemble recognized as the historical treasure of the city.

The walls of the palace, in which the archives of the Inquisition are kept, have seen magnificent royal receptions, and there was a meeting of the unknown Columbus with Isabella I of Castile, when only the details of his future journey were discussed.

University of San Ildefonso

You can not ignore the ancient university, which resumed its work 39 years ago, telling about local attractions. Alcala de Henares is proud that a huge book collection of an educational institution can compete only with the wealth of libraries of the city-state of the Vatican.

In the chapel at the University of San Ildefonso is the ashes of the cardinal - its founder. The national award for literature of the name of Cervantes is awarded annually in the main audience. It's also interesting to see the College Street, where educational institutions and a campus were located.

Symbols of the city

The city of Alcala de Henares, which once united three cultures, is very attractive for tourists who note its special atmosphere and intimacy. He immerses himself in a state of peace, with which old streets and buildings breathe.

On the roofs of the lovely Spanish houses live storks, long recognized as a symbol of the old city, and besides historical attractions, guests are offered fascinating free excursions dedicated to these proud birds.