Alcalá de Henares

Cervantes Square is the historic and social heartbeat of Alcalá de Henares, a city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most prominent cultural destinations in the Madrid region. This vibrant, open square is surrounded by centuries-old architecture and stands as an absolute must-see landmark on any travel itinerary about things to do in Alcalá de Henares, drawing both history enthusiasts and travelers looking to immerse themselves in the authentic local atmosphere.

To fully explore the city, discover its historic monuments, and plan your custom cultural itineraries, make sure to visit Alcalá de Henares.

The College of San Ildefonso, the historic heart of the University of Alcalá, stands as one of the most sublime masterpieces of the Spanish Renaissance and the ultimate symbol of the cultural heritage of Alcalá de Henares—a city proudly designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, this building represents not only the origins of the university but the birth of a city designed specifically as a cradle of higher education. It went on to become one of the most influential academic institutions in Europe and a blueprint model for Spanish-American universities.

To discover the full historic context of the city, its rich legacy, and its top monuments, explore our official Alcalá de Henares travel guide.

In the heart of Alcalá de Henares' historic district, in Plaza de los Santos Niños, stands the Magistral Cathedral of Saints Justus and Pastor, the mother church of the Complutense diocese and one of the most unique sanctuaries in the Madrid Region. Its location marks the ancient urban, political, and social heart of the medieval city.

The temple rises on the exact site where, according to tradition, the children Justus and Pastor were martyred in the year 304 during the Diocletianic Persecution. A 5th-century chapel was erected over that enclave, eventually becoming a cathedral during the Visigothic era. Following various medieval destructions and reconstructions, it was elevated to a collegiate church in the 15th century. Under the visionary drive of Cardinal Cisneros, the current building was constructed between 1497 and 1515 in the exquisite Isabelline Gothic style.

Its title of "Magistral," granted in 1519, makes it—alongside St. Peter's Church in Leuven—one of the only two temples in the world with this rare distinction, which required all its canons to hold doctorates in theology, reflecting its close bond with the University of Alcalá. In 1991, with the restoration of the diocese, it proudly reclaimed its cathedral status.

Featuring a Latin cross floor plan and three naves covered by elegant rib vaults, the building blends exterior sobriety with interior richness. Highlights include its flamboyant Gothic portal, the imposing 62-meter Herrerian-style bell tower—begun by legendary architect Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón—and the 17th-century cloister, which houses the Interpretation Center and the Cathedral Museum.

Within the ambulatory lies the crypt containing the sacred relics of the Holy Children (Santos Niños), safeguarded in a magnificent silver and gold urn. Among its notable chapels, the Chapel of the Virgen del Val (patron saint of Alcalá) and the Chapel of San Diego de Alcalá truly stand out.

Designated a National Monument in 1904 and meticulously restored after the devastating fire suffered at the start of the Spanish Civil War in 1936, the Magistral Cathedral is today a historical, artistic, and spiritual landmark, witnessing more than sixteen centuries of living history in Alcalá de Henares.

The Cervantes Birthplace Museum is one of the most visited landmarks in Alcalá de Henares, a historic UNESCO World Heritage City and the proud birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes.

This museum stands as an essential stop within any cultural walking tour and is a top-tier highlight of what to see in Alcalá de Henares, especially for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the life and legacy of the author of Don Quixote.

To discover more about the city and plan your itinerary, make sure to consult our principal Alcalá de Henares travel guide.

Complutum was one of the main Roman cities in the interior of Spain. The city is located in the fertile plain of Rio Henares by means of two successive foundations: the first, towards the change of Era. The second, towards 50 / 60d.C. In this great city of about 50 hectares, the Forum occupied approximately its center. It was the main public space of the city, surrounded by buildings with administrative, judicial, commercial and religious functions.

The monumental façade, the civil basilica, the northern thermal baths, the south portico, the market, the southern thermal baths, the Curia and the Criptopórtico, as well as the road infrastructures of Decumano III and Cardo IV and the network of drains of the city.

One of the most significant elements is the Wall of the Miracle, a Roman wall of large dimensions, belonging to the monumental complex, and has been the object of worship to the Saints Justo and Pastor, patrons of Alcalá de Henares, along the centuries, which has allowed its conservation to date.

Around the area already visited, new works are being developed that will allow the visit to several urban houses: the House of Mars, the House of the Atrium and above all the spectacular House of Griffins, with its magnificent collection of Roman mural painting , on which a cover has just been placed that will allow the visit to the complicated process of excavation and restoration.

The Community of Madrid and the City of Alcalá have recovered these important archaeological remains through the Regional Plan of Visible Yards.

Located in the iconic Plaza de las Bernardas—sharing the square with the Archbishop's Palace and the San Bernardo Convent—stands the MARPA. This museum is far more than an exhibition center: it is the official guardian of the Madrid region's history, spanning from the era when dinosaurs roamed these lands to the dawn of the industrial age.

The museum is housed within the historic Dominican College-Convent of the Madre de Dios, founded in 1565. Walking through its galleries allows visitors to journey through the history of the building itself, which survived the Napoleonic invasions (serving as cavalry barracks), the Spanish confiscation of 1835, and later uses as courtyards and a prison.

Following an exemplary architectural renovation, the ancient cloister has been transformed into the stunning Patio de Cristales (Glass Courtyard). This modern, glass-roofed venue now serves as a vibrant space for conferences, concerts, and cultural congresses.

What to See at MARPA: Permanent Collections

The MARPA offers a fascinating, educational chronological journey through its rich permanent collections:

• Paleontology & Prehistory: Discover ancient fossils alongside Paleolithic and Neolithic tools that chronicle the earliest steps of humanity in the Madrid region.
• Roman Treasures: Do not miss the spectacular collection of Roman mosaics and unique artifacts, such as the famous Pátera de Titulcia—an invaluable silver ritual dish uncovered in local archaeological excavations.
• Living History & Industrial Archaeology: The galleries display historic vestiges from the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Ancient, Medieval, and Modern eras, extending all the way to industrial archaeology.

The museum stands out for its vibrant cultural agenda. In addition to its permanent displays, the MARPA continuously updates its programming with high-impact temporary exhibitions dedicated to archaeological and paleontological discoveries.

The Archbishop’s Palace of Alcalá de Henares is one of the most imposing historic buildings in the city and a key symbol of ecclesiastical and political power in Spain during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Located in the heart of the old town, this monumental complex is a fundamental part of the heritage of Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage city. A visit here is essential to understand why the Community of Madrid has been, for centuries, a strategic center of decisions that shaped history.

The Laredo Palace is one of the most unique and striking architectural landmarks in Alcalá de Henares, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and a premier cultural destination within the Madrid region. This exceptional 19th-century historicist palace is a true architectural gem that often flies under the radar for mainstream tourists, yet it stands as one of the finest recommendations for what to see when exploring the city.

It offers the ideal escape for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond the traditional historic center, inviting visitors to lose themselves in the artistic fantasy and exoticism of the Romantic era.

The Medieval Walls of Alcalá de Henares stand as one of the city’s most significant historic landmarks and a defining testament to its strategic military origins. Although only select sections survive today, this formidable fortification system provides an immersive look into Alcalá’s urban evolution, charting its rise from an ancient Islamic stronghold to one of the most influential strongholds of the Kingdom of Castile.

This monument remains a cornerstone of the historic enclave that earned Alcalá de Henares its prestigious designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking beneath its preserved watchtowers allows travelers to trace the multicultural tapestry that shaped the identity of the modern-day Madrid region.

The Monastery of San Bernardo stands as one of the most unique and fascinating religious complexes within the rich historic heritage of Alcalá de Henares. Located right in the heart of the city, this monumental building is a cornerstone of the architectural legacy that solidified Alcala's status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Popularly known as the "Las Bernardas" Convent, this 17th-century Baroque monastery captivates visitors with its groundbreaking architecture and its deep ties to the cultural history of the Madrid Region. It is, without a doubt, a must-visit landmark for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path things to do in Alcalá de Henares.

To discover all the monuments and seamlessly map out your route, consult our comprehensive Alcalá de Henares Travel Guide.

This event has been declared a Fiesta of Regional Tourist Interest and has a schedule that lasts approximately one week.

The train leaves from Atocha station and the passengers are accompanied by actors who represent some of the most famous passages of Cervantes' most important work, El Quijote, among other texts. In addition, during the journey they offer to the travelers typical products of the alcalaína bakery. Once in the Complutense City, there is a guided tour of the most representative monuments of the city, animated also with theater performances, such as the Cervantes House and the University of Alcalá.

The Cervantes Train runs at certain times during the weekend between April and December. Detailed information is on the Renfe Cercanías website.

The Corral of comedies from Alcalá de Henares, located in Plaza de Cervantes 15, dates from 1601. At that time, the carpenter Francisco Sánchez offered to build a playground or corral of comedies, in the style of Corral de la Cruz, that next to Corral de la Pacheca and Corral del Príncipe was one of the best known in Madrid. In them they represented the most popular works of the playwrights of the Century of Gold.

Alcalá de Henares has had different uses throughout its trajectory: corral of comedies since 1603, roofed coliseum since 1769, romantic theater from 1831 and cinema projections room from 1927 to 1980, year in which the City Council regained ownership. By then, almost four centuries had passed in which had forgotten its original function.

Attending one of its classical theater performances is a unique experience, as it is one of the oldest Corrals of comedies in Spain. In addition, on certain dates there are guided tours.