Alcalá de Henares , located in the Community of Madrid, is a city of great historical and cultural value, recognized as a World Heritage City by UNESCO . The birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes , it combines a distinguished university legacy with a well-preserved historic center, where monuments, arcaded squares, and a vibrant cultural life coexist.
The historic center revolves around the University of Alcalá , a major center of the Spanish Renaissance, alongside Calle Mayor—one of the longest arcaded streets in Europe—and emblematic sites such as Cervantes' birthplace, the Magistral Cathedral, and the Corral de Comedias (open-air theater). A stroll through Alcalá is like walking through centuries of history in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
In addition to its rich heritage, Alcalá de Henares offers a vibrant cultural scene, with festivals, exhibitions, and literary events that reinforce its Cervantine identity. Its cuisine, rooted in Castilian tradition, is best enjoyed in its restaurants and terraces, where traditional dishes and convent-made pastries are particularly noteworthy.
Well connected to Madrid, Alcalá de Henares is an ideal destination for cultural getaways and for those looking for a city with its own identity, balancing history, university, modern life and quality of life in an environment full of character.