 Half-timbered house on Calle Mayor by Jefie | Reviews and photos of Alcalá de Henares attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Alcalá de Henares sightseeing. Alcalá de Henares Map |
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 On the guided walking tour of
Alcala de Henares by Jefie, 1 more photosLeave a Comment Address: 1, Plaza de los IrlandesesPhone: 91 882 13 54Directions: The tourist information center is located at the end of the Plaza de Cervantes, next to the Capilla del Oidor.Website: www.alcalaturismo.com Other Contact: promotur@alcalaturismo.com
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Next to the Monasterio de San Bernardo you'll find the Palacio Arzobispal (Archbishop's Palace). Although it was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1939 and is not open to the public, people interested in history might still want to take a look at the place where Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England and mother of Queen Mary I, was born in December 1485. Catalina de Aragon was the youngest child of King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I, who held court in Alcala de Henares at the time of her birth. Also, the Palacio Arzobispal is where Christopher Columbus first met with the King and Queen of Spain, in 1486, to convince them he could reach Asia by sailing around the world. This first encounter would of course eventually lead to the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492. Leave a Comment Address: Calle de Santiago
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The Corral de Comedias is one of Europe's oldest theatres. It was founded in 1601, and it is well worth going on a guided tour to learn about the different improvements that have been made throughout its 400 years of existence. The Corral de Comedias started out as a modest open-air theatre, where university students would put on different plays, until a roof and some bleachers were added at the beginning of the 18th century. Significant improvements were made throughout the 19th century, only to see the Corral de Comedias become a movie theatre for most of the 20th century. It has now been restored to its original vocation, and it is still possible to see the stone floor on which people would sit to watch plays four centuries ago, and the rather primitive "sound-effect system" that was brought in during the 18th century. It's a very interesting tour and admission only costs 2.50 Euros. Leave a Comment
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 Facade of the Colegio
Mayor San Ildefonso
(1543) by Jefie,
4 more photos
In 1836, the University was moved to Madrid, and some of the buildings of the former Alcala campus fell into disrepair. The impact of the move on the city of Alcala de Henares was very deeply felt: the population went from about 60,000 people to about 10,000 by 1900. In 1977, a new university was founded, and it is especially well-known by foreigners for its Spanish language immersion program.
A visit to the university will take you through the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso. First off, it's worth taking some time to admire the magnificient 16th century plateresque facade. Your guide will then take you through the Patio of Saint Thomas, the Patio of the Philosophers and the Patio of the Three Languages, where Greek, Latin and Hebrew were taught. The visit also includes a tour of the San Ildefonso Chapel, where you'll see a remarkable monument dedicated to Cardinal Cisneros, and the Paraninfo, an imposing hall where Ph.D. students had to defend their thesis.
Guided tours last for about 45 minutes, and tickets can be bought at the tourist information center. Admission costs 3 Euros (included if you're going on the guided walking tour). Leave a Comment Address: Plaza de San DiegoPhone: 91 885 40 00Directions: Near the Plaza de Cervantes.Website: www.uah.es
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 Hospital de Antezana in Alcala
de Henares by Jefie
Admission is free. Leave a Comment Address: 46, Calle MayorPhone: 91 881 94 47Directions: In the historic area.
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 Monasterio de San
Bernardo in Alcala by JefieLeave a Comment Directions: At the end of Calle de Santiago
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Located at the end of the Plaza de Cervantes, la Capilla del Oidor is one of the only buildings that remain after the destruction of the church of Santa Maria la Mayor during the Spanish Civil War (the campanile that stands in front of it was also part of the church). The Chapel dates back to the 15th century and as Miguel de Cervantes was baptized on October 9, 1547 in the parrish of Santa Maria la Mayor, the baptism register is on display at the Capilla del Oidor. Other expositions dedicated to Cervantes are also organized, and there are no admission fees to visit the Chapel (closed on Mondays). Leave a Comment Address: Plaza de CervantesDirections: In the historic area.
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 Church of the San Juan de
la Penitencia convent by Jefie,
1 more photosLeave a Comment Address: Calle de SantiagoDirections: In the historic area.
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The Cathedral of Alcala de Henares was built between 1497 and 1516, with the addition of a bell tower during the 17th century. It is the only Gothic-style cathedral that can be seen in the entire Communidad de Madrid. The Cathedral was very badly damaged during a fire in 1936, at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. Although some priceless pieces could not be replaced, such as the original wooden retable, the restoration work that began in 1947 suceeded in giving back to the Cathedral most of its former glory.
As a wedding was about to start when I stopped by the Cathedral, I only took a look around the nave; however, for a small fee, it is possible to visit the Cathedral's museum, which includes a display of religious objects and art. Leave a Comment
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 Neo-Mudejar architectural
details, Palacio Laredo by Jefie,
1 more photos
The Palacio Laredo now houses the Cisneros Museum, which mostly focuses on the polyglot bible that was printed at the University of Alcala under the supervision of Cardinal Cisneros. It also includes a visit of the palace. Tours run every half-hour (2.50 Euros, closed on Mondays), and if you get there early you have to wait outside until the next tour begins. As it was raining that day - and also because the people who greeted me at the front door were none too friendly - I decided to skip it, so now I'm left to wonder whether the rooms inside of the palace are as extravagant as what you see on the outside! Leave a Comment Address: No. 10, Paseo de la EstacionDirections: Just a short walk down the street from the train station.
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