Alcala de Henares, Spain

Alcala de Henares highlights

Known for historical center, museum, palace, catholic cathedral

Alcala de Henares is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and education. The city's historic precinct is a treasure trove of architectural styles, from Roman ruins to Baroque archways, and its grid-like urban layout is a testament to its status as the first planned University City in history.

You understand, it is impossible to see Spain just in a couple of days. Come with us to explore Spain in a 1-2 week road trip. We will pass Alcala de Henares, along with other Spain' attractions, to discover the soul of the country, its way of life, culture and traditions, food and drinks. Browse our tours passing Alcala de Henares, or contact us directly for a custom tour in Spain. By the way, we charge nothing for a custom itinerary. Contact us directly, let's plan all the details of your trip and get it done!

Other places in Spain that we are familiar with

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Last reviewed: 7 January 2025

Alcala de Henares description

Alcala de Henares has its origins in the Roman town of Complutum, which was founded in the 1st century BC. The city flourished during the Roman Empire, reaching a population of 10,000 inhabitants and gaining the status of municipium. After the downfall of the Roman Empire, the city declined, but it became an important pilgrimage destination in remembrance of the Saints Justo and Pastor.

In the 11th century, the Moors conquered the city and founded a new site, building an al-qal'a (citadel) on a nearby hill, which is now known as Alcalá la Vieja (Old Alcalá). The city was later conquered by the Archbishop of Toledo in 1118, and it became an archiepiscopal property for centuries to come. During the Middle Ages, the city had both a Jewish and a Moorish quarter and a renowned marketplace, and it was a frequent residence of the Kings of Castile.

In the 16th century, Alcala de Henares experienced a period of great splendor, thanks to the foundation of the Complutense University in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros. The university became a model for other centers of learning in Europe and the Americas, and it was the first city to be designed and built solely as the seat of a university. The city's architecture from this period is characteristic of the House of Austria, with Baroque archways and a grid-like urban layout.

The city's importance declined in the 18th century, but it experienced a relative demographic and economic upturn in the second half of the 19th century, based on its newly acquired condition of military outpost and embryonic industrial nucleus. However, the city suffered during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), and many of its cultural and artistic treasures were lost. In the 20th century, the city underwent industrialization and urban development, and it regained its importance as a university town with the founding of the University of Alcalá in 1977.

Today, Alcala de Henares is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's historic precinct has maintained its integrity, with many of its original buildings still in use, including the medieval city street networks, the Baroque archways, and the university grid-like urban layout. The city is also home to many important landmarks, such as the Palacio Arzobispal, the Gothic church of San Justo, and the former archbishop's palace, which now houses the General Central Archives of Spain.

Alcala de Henares is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and education. The city's historic precinct is a treasure trove of architectural styles, from Roman ruins to Baroque archways, and its grid-like urban layout is a testament to its status as the first planned University City in history.

Visitors can walk along the medieval city streets, visit the Palacio Arzobispal, and explore the Gothic church of San Justo, which was badly damaged during the Civil War but later restored. The city is also home to the former archbishop's palace, which now houses the General Central Archives of Spain, containing documents of the Inquisitions of Toledo and Valencia. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful architecture, Alcala de Henares is a city that will leave you in awe.

Alcala de Henares related tours

Sorry, we have no any pre-designed tour passing trough this place yet. If you would like to visit this place, please contact us.