Spain, Culture and Food in Every City [Video-Photos]
House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum, from the outside

Alcalá de Henares, a day filled with culture, education and good wine.

In this part two of two we visit the lesser known but amazing Spanish city of Alcalá de Henares. View some key highlights  of my recent trip through this pictorial journey. In Part one we traveled to Madrid:   Join A N.Y. Latina of Colombian Heritage To Spain to Explore Latin Links

Alcaláde Henares

Many of you have heard of other Spaniard cities, such as Barcelona or Seville. But Spain is more that the major cities, as a country rich in history it is difficult to ignore its smaller cities, such as Alcala de Henares.

Alcala de Henares is located at only 35klm Northeast of Madrid, it is one of UNESCO’s World heritage Sites.

Easily accessible from Madrid via metro or bus, the trip is roughly thirty minutes away. Alcala (as it is commonly called) is home today to almost two hundred thousand people who enjoy the rich history the city has to offer, from literature, education, religion, architecture and who could leave out food.

Another street at city center of Alcala de Henares

Another street at city center of Alcala de Henares

City center street at Alcala de Henares

City center street at Alcala de Henares

Monastery at Alcala de Henares

Monastery at Alcala de Henares

Streets at Alcala de Henares

Streets at Alcala de Henares

Universidad de Alcala

The university’s history can be traced back to 1293 when the first classes were given.

It was only until 1459 that permission was granted from the king of the time to Cardinal Cisneros, to establish officially as university studies. One of the oldest universities in all of Spain it is a sight not to be missed.

Rich in architecture, the university still hosts classes in the original building that stands since its inception.

Since its inception, the university is host to the “Cervantes Prize” presented annually by the King and Queen of Spain, it is the highest literature award given in the country. In 1998 the UNESCO named it world heritage site; the building is not one to be missed while in Alcala de Henares.

Interior patio ay Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares

Interior patio ay Universidad de Alcala, Alcala de Henares

Video of The Plaza of Universidad de Alcala

Entrance for Universidad de Alcala at Alcala de Henares

Entrance for Universidad de Alcala at Alcala de Henares

House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum

In 1954 the city of Alcala de Henares purchased the home where renowned writer of Spanish literature, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616) grew up in.

The home is magnificent, not in luxury instead you can feel and perceive the rich history behind its walls. How people in the era lived, what sparked their everyday interests.

This is a two-story home, located in the city center.

It is free of charge and guides are readily available to explain every corner and detail of the home. Once in Alcala you will see that the house cannot be missed, as outside stands a life size bronze of “Don Quixote” with his ever-faithful companion “Sancho Penza”, both characters created by Cervantes in his historic novel of Don Quixote which has been translated in to 140 languages.

Cervantes is widely regarded as the greatest author of Spanish literature.

Quixote bronze outside the house Cervantes museum

Quixote bronze outside the house Cervantes museum

House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum, from the outside

House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum, from the outside

Inside House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum, Alcala de Henares

Inside House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum, Alcala de Henares

Desk at House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum, Alacala de Henares

Desk at House of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Museum, Alacala de Henares

Plaza de Cervantes

Plaza de Cervantes is the main park in the historic city center of Alcala de Henares, which is dedicated to Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes.

It is one of the most important sites to visit while at Alcala, along with Calle mayor. Both Calle Mayor and La Plaza de Cervantes are closed to transit, making it a lovely and lively location to stroll through its medieval buildings, small unique shops, cafes and restaurants.

La Plaza is lined with beautiful trees that once have reached full bloom, make for the perfect scenery.

Plaza Cervantes, Alcala de Henares

Plaza Cervantes, Alcala de Henares

Miguel de Cervantes monument at Plaza Cervantes in Alcala de Henares

Miguel de Cervantes monument at Plaza Cervantes in Alcala de Henares

Plaza Cervantes, Alcala de Henare

Plaza Cervantes, Alcala de Henare

Plaza Cervantes, Alcala de Henare

Plaza Cervantes, Alcala de Henare

Next: The Wine and Tapas

RELATED POSTS

Harmonizing Health, The Power of Sound Healing [Video]

Harmonizing Health, The Power of Sound Healing [Video]

The harmonious vibrations of sound healing have the potential to revolutionize In a world increasingly consumed by the fast-paced demands of modern life, the search for holistic and natural healing methods has gained momentum. One such method that has been attracting...

Balancing Wanderlust and a Healthy Routine

Balancing Wanderlust and a Healthy Routine

The ever-changing world of business, yoga teaching and beyond In the serene corners of the world, I've found my calling as a yoga teacher, leading teacher training programs and guiding soul-enriching yoga and adventure retreats. This path has been one filled with...

The Benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Workplaces experience a greater sense of community, collaboration and communication among colleagues The world is full of people of different colors, languages, religions, gender identities, incomes and so much more. That’s what makes it so vibrant—and why so many...

Video Gallery

Polls

Sign Up for the Latin Biz Today Newsletter

PR Newswire

Featured Authors

avatar for David StreitDavid Streit

David Streit is an IT consultant an...

A Real-time Cloud Virtual Office Migration

Money

Talent/HR

Legal

Marketing

Strategy

My Unusual Path to Launch a New Business

My Unusual Path to Launch a New Business

Understanding the value of stepping away from a large corporation to build my Hispanic business This is my entrepreneurial story. Like many Hispanic businesspeople Fortune 500 companies are great to work with until they interfere with your core values. That's the...

Latin Biz Today Salutes Our Veterans

Latin Biz Today Salutes Our Veterans

Many Hispanic veterans played a vital role in protecting democracy and keeping our nation safe Today we honor veterans and active duty military personnel for their sacrifices and contributions to keeping the world safe. Here are several examples of Hispanic veterans...

Fashion

Food

Music

Sports

Innovation

Work, Life & Culture

Culture

Health & Fitness

Travel & Destinations

Personal Blogs

Pin It on Pinterest