About this experience
Just 30 km from the capital is a city where the world-renowned writer Miguel de Cervantes lived and worked. But that's not all! Here was founded one of the oldest universities in Europe and a cathedral with a status shared only by two temples in the world. Learn about these and other symbols of ancient Alcala on a car tour from Madrid.
What to expect
Old Town Heritage
During the tour, I will tell you in detail about the most significant stages that the city, included in the UNESCO list, has gone through. You will learn about ancient Roman artifacts and near the fortified wall - about the period of Muslim rule and the origin of the settlement's name. We will talk about the Christian Reconquista and the annexation to Castile. Also included in the program are the archbishop's palace, where Christopher Columbus and other historical figures visited; the magnificent Laredo Palace in Neo-Mudejar style; the history of the Magistral Cathedral of Alcala (one of the two in the world with such a status); medieval churches and monasteries.
Educational and cultural center with an impressive history
Alcala de Henares is famous for being the place where the first university town was built, which later became a model for scientific centers in Western countries. On the grounds of the Complutense, you will learn about the establishment of one of the oldest universities and main humanistic centers in Europe. You will also hear about famous personalities who studied here: representatives of the Spanish Golden Age, politicians, royal doctors, and the founders of the Jesuit order. We will also delve into the ethnic side of Alcala's life - I will explain the historical division of the city into three parts and tell you how three different cultures interacted: Christian, Islamic, and Jewish.
Cervantes - a national symbol and the last Romantic of the Middle Ages
Most of the walk will, of course, be dedicated to the great author of "Don Quixote," who was born and lived in this city. You will visit the thematic house-museum, get acquainted with the typical layout of a 16th-century Castilian residence, and examine memorable household items. In addition, I will show you the hospital where Cervantes' father worked as a surgeon, the chapel of the church where the writer was baptized, and the market square, also reminiscent of his life. Along the way, I will talk about Miguel de Cervantes' creative life and the reasons for the success of the legendary novel that brought him worldwide fame.
