VISIT ALCALÁ DE HENARES

A must-see symbol near Madrid
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, Alcalá de Henares is a university town that has played a major role in Spain's cultural history. It is most famous for being the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. Located just 30 km from Madrid, it makes an ideal day trip.

Why visit?
The city's attractions include a university founded in the 16th century, cloisters, Renaissance patios and a literary atmosphere. You can also visit the house where Cervantes was born, now a museum, as well as a number of remarkable religious buildings.

A brief history and anecdotes
Founded in Roman times under the name of Complutumthe city flourished during the Spanish Golden Age. Its university was one of the most influential intellectual centres in Europe. Anecdote: it was in Alcalá that the first edition of the Complutense Polyglot Biblea masterpiece of sixteenth-century humanism.

What can you do there?
- Visit the University and its famous patios
- Discover the house where Cervantes was born
- Take a stroll along the Calle Mayor, one of the longest arcaded streets in Europe
- Explore the Magistral Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace
- Sample traditional local costradas and tapas

Where is it?
📍 Alcalá de Henares, Community of Madrid
👉 See on Google Maps

Practical advice
- Accessible by Cercanías train from Madrid (approx. 40 minutes)
- Allow a full day to enjoy the city to the full
- Best time: in spring or autumn for a pleasant stroll
- Numerous guided tours available, including on the theme of Cervantes

To discover around
- Los Cerros Natural Park
- Regional Archaeological Museum
- Monastery of San Bernardo
- Cervantes Theatre

Audioguide
🎧 Listen to our immersive description of Alcalá de Henares on History Guide City Madrid !
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