Alcala de Henares

About

Alcala de Henares can trace its roots back to the 1st century, when the Romans conquered the area and founded their first city in the region. While the population of the Roman settlement reached nearly 100,000 people, it was largely abandoned after the fall of the Empire and wasn't resettled until the 12th century. Alcala de Henares' renowned university was founded in 1499, and still retains its 16th century plateresque façade. Inside, visitors can enjoy two of the original cloistered yards, and the exquisite tombs of some of the city’s most influential personalities. The Magisterial Cathedral, built on the site where Saints Justus and Pastor were buried, is one of only two churches in the world with the ‘Magistral' title (which requires all of its canons to hold a PhD in Theology). Also of interest is the home of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, which has been restored to look as it did in the 16th century.