Alcalá de Henares Things to Do

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If you travel to Alcala by train, you'll most probably walk by the Palacio Laredo and it's impossible not to notice its very unique style of architecture. The house was designed by Manuel Laredo y Ordoño for himself - he simply wanted his house to stand out, and I guess we can all agree that he succeeded! His idea was to include all of the Spanish architectural styles into the design, while also making sure to include some pieces that were salvaged from old palaces, such as tiles and columns. Construction began in 1880 and the masterpiece was completed four years later.

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!

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Calle Mayor connects the Plaza de Cervantes with the Plaza de los Santos Niños, where you'll find the Cathedral of Alcala. It used to run through the Jewish neighborhood and for a while it was the city's most important commercial strip. Today, you'll still find different shops and restaurants on both sides of the street, but what I mostly remember about Calle Mayor is the beautiful architecture, thanks to the numerous half-timbered houses and flowery balconies that just beg to be photographed!

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The Plaza de Cervantes dates back to the 13th century, although it obviously had a different name back then. Like the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, this square was the social and economic center of the city - a weekly market was held there and most holidays and public events were celebrated in what was then known as the "Plaza del Mercado". The square was substantially remodeled during the 19th century, which is when it took on the name of Plaza de Cervantes, and the beautiful bronze statue of the Alcala-native writer that sits in the middle of the plaza was added in 1879. Even though there no longer are bullfights in the plaza, it is still a popular meeting place visitors and students.

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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).

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The San Juan de la Penitencia convent was one of the historic buildings we got to visit as part of the guided walking tour organized by the tourist office. This Franciscan convent was founded by Cardinal Cisneros during the 16th century and it was both a hospital for women and a school for young girls. We got to visit the convent's church, elegant in its simplicity, and decorated with some pretty interesting works of art. Yet another reason to go on that walking tour!

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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.

There are several different convents in Alcala de Henares, but the Monasterio de San Bernardo is considered by many as the most important one. Construction of the Baroque-style church began in 1618, and the quality of its different architectural details is still admired by many designers and architects today. In fact, it is almost impossible to imagine what the church looks like just by looking at its facade, which is rather austere-looking. The focal point of San Bernardo is the elaborate canopied structure that stands where you'd normally find the retable, and the many paintings that can be found in the church are all the work of one Italian painter, Angelo Nardi.

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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.