> Spanish Courses at Alcala de Henares > Alcala de Henares CityAbout Alcala de Henares
Alcalá de Henares is a small city with a population of just under 200,000 located within 30 kilometers of Madrid. Rich in history, the city's historic district was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Its wandering cobbled streets and well-maintained ancient buildings converge on the city's most famous square, the Plaza de Cervantes: a living testament to Alcalá's medieval origins.
The city's cultural significance is empowered by the more than 500 years of influence generated by its prestigious university and its fame as the birthplace of the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes. The presence of the University of Alcalá gives the city a youthful, international, dynamic feel, particularly during weekends when nightlife comes to its fullest expression.
Interestingly, Alcalá is also famous for its population of large storks, the giant nests of which are seen atop many buildings and churches in the city's historic district. The storks themselves have drawn much tourism to the city over the past several decades, and the roughly 90 pairs that live within the area are protected by official decree and form an integral, celebrated part of city life.
History
The origins of the city date back to the birth of the Roman city of Complutum, which throughout its more than four centuries of existence would reach a level of splendor and importance that it would maintain throughout the entire Visigothic period. During the era of Muslim rule a city was built that with time would come to be known as Al-Qalat-Nahar (the castle of Henares), a name from which the city's current denomination is derived.
With the Christian Reconquest in the Middle Ages the city was rebuilt and situated in its current location, centered around the cathedral. But the city's golden age wouldn't arrive until the latter half of the fifteenth century, with the establishment of the University of Alcalá. The presence of the university would generate a process of urban renovation, transforming Alcalá into a university city graced with classic architecture.
Throghout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries the city would suffer a period of decline. The relocation of the university to Madrid in 1836 followed by the sale of church lands lead to the closing of numerous convents and the cultural degradation of the city.
Today, thanks to the reopening of the university in its original campus in 1977, the industrial development of the past decades and the city's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alcalá is experiencing a period of economic, touristic, and cultural enrichment.
Transportation
- Airport: The Madrid-Barajas Airport is located just 19 kilometers from the city, with plenty of train and bus connections between both destinations.
- Train: Alcalá is traversed by a train line extending well beyond the region with three stops within the city, making it possible to use the train for urban transportation. The same train also connects Alcalá with surrounding towns, cities and outlying regions.
- Bus: The city's urban bus system offers 11 lines that cover the city and connect suburban areas with the historic district in the city's center. These buses are easily distinguished by their red color from the buses that connect the city to Madrid and other areas in the region, which tend to be green.
- By foot: Alcalá is small enough to get by on foot within the city's central areas, especially the historic district which also makes for a pleasant and interesting walk.
Leisure
Perhaps the city's most famous celebration are the Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivities, during which time hundreds of thousands of visitors flood the streets in celebration. The city is also gaining a reputation as one of Spain's most important sites of cultural tourism thanks in large part to promotional efforts by the city government and the city's prized designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alcalá's historic district, which spans over 100 acres, is one of the largest in Spain and holds an impressive amount of buildings of great historical and cultural importance. At its center lies the city's central square, Plaza Cervantes, surrounded by the picturesque ruins of the Santa Maria parish and numerous fine restaurants. The area is ideal for enjoying relaxing walks and traditional Spanish cuisine.
The Cervantes Museum is one of the city's popular tourist destinations. Housed in a beautiful sixteenth-century building, it is the historic home of famous writer Miguel de Cervantes (author of Don Quijote), who was born there in 1547. From its inner patio lined with Renaissance columns radiate a series of richly decorated rooms typical of a Spanish Golden Age home and reverberating with some of Spain's most cherished history.
Gastronomy
The city has numerous quality restaurants, most of which specialize in a traditional regional cuisine characterized by broths, roasts, and vegetables. Candies and pastries are also very typical of the region, and these are prepared in great luxury and abundance, making them famous throughout Spain. Some of the most known are the almendras garrapiñadas (caramelized almonds), rosquillas de Alcalá (donut-shaped sweets), and migas con chocolate (chocolate crumbs).
Every year, the Jornadas Gastronomicas (Culinary Fests) take place, during which time large numbers of tourists visit Alcalá. The city's restaurants prepare traditional regional dishes, allowing visitors to taste some of the foods that for centuries have made this region one of Spain's most gastronomically gifted.
Going Out
Many of Alcalá's roughly 200,000 inhabitants are local youths, young people who have decided to leave Madrid for a more relaxed environment, or students at the city's university (which has a student body of over 20,000). This endows local nightlife with a decidedly vibrant and youth-oriented appeal.
The city's historic district is a popular destination for tapas either at midday or in the evening. Later in the night and especially on weekends, the La Garena neighborhood becomes an active center of leisure and nightlife. Plenty of outdoor cafeterias, bars and clubs can be found in this area providing entertainment well into the early hours of the morning.
