Just 30 kilometers from the city of Madrid we have a medieval city that can boast of too many things… Although, mainly, of having seen the birth of two historical figures as illustrious as Cervantes and Catherine of Aragon, and also of being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1998. In addition, it is a charming getaway within everyone's reach because trains leave from Atocha every 20 minutes. We are talking about Alcalá de Henares.
This Madrid city has more than 2,000 years of history, so it is a destination for lovers of history and culture. And not only because of what we mentioned before. Alcalá de Henares guards treasures such as “Complutum”, one of the reference Roman enclaves in Spain. It was also the episcopal seat during the Visigothic era and an important plaza to defend the Tagus valley during the Reconquista.
Of medieval Alcalá, with its Christian, Jewish and Muslim neighborhoods, there are still spaces with memories of mosques and synagogues, churches, offices and places that gave shape and character to a town that is an example of coexistence. The walled enclosure was originally built in the 13th century, although it was later modified and expanded.
@University of Alcalá
In addition, it was the first city designed and built especially as the headquarters of a university, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1499, in the middle of the Renaissance, it served as a model for other educational centers in Europe and America. So it is not surprising that it is known as the “city of knowledge.” Although it's not just for this…
It turns out that many great writers of the Spanish Golden Age, such as Francisco de Quevedo; Lope de Vega Calderón de la Barca; Tirso de Molina or San Juan de la Cruz were linked to her. Although, among all of them, Miguel de Cervantes stands out, who was born in the city in 1547. Currently, a series of signs on the streets indicate the links between all of them and places in the city.
M. Peinado
Among its essential places to visit, the Casa Hippolytus and the ruins of Complutum stand out, to travel back to Roman times. From its medieval period, on the other hand, the Archbishop's Palace is of special importance, originating from a Mudejar fortress from the 12th century. While the University of Alcalá and the Corral de Comedias, the oldest public theater preserved in Spain, remain from the Renaissance.
To follow the trail of Cervantes, we have the Plaza de Cervantes, which bears his surname, but it is also worth stopping by the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, which houses a Library and the Cervantino Museum. Furthermore, in front, sitting on a bench, are Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
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However, lovers of sacred art should not miss the Magistral Cathedral and the cloistered convent of Las Bernardas, the most important in the city. But, without a doubt, those who enjoy it can skip it and go straight to enjoying Castilian gastronomy.
Throughout the year, Gastronomic Days are organized in Alcalá that allow you to taste typical dishes, with nods to the dishes mentioned in 'Don Quixote' such as Duelos and Quebrantos. Alcalá de Henares is a reference for the cuisine of the Golden Age and its specialty is garlic soups, manchego migas with chorizo or fried eggs, as well as a variety of dishes prepared with fresh vegetables from the Henares plain, or roast lamb and goat.
Cover photo | Official Tourism Portal of Spain
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