Alcala de Henares and Cervantes Guided Tour from Madrid
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Alcalá de Henares' historic center
- Visit the University of Alcalá
- See the birthplace of Cervantes
- Wander through Calle Mayor
- Discover the Cervantes Birthplace Museum
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Madrid
- Guided tour of Alcalá de Henares
- Visit to the birthplace of Cervantes
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
This square has had several denominations throughout its history. Initially it was the "Market Square", then the "Constitution Square" and, since 1879, it is the "Plaza de Cervantes" in memory of his favorite son Miguel de Cervantes. However, popularly it is also called "main square", as it is the main and largest of Alcala de Henares.
The set of the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso and Rector of the University of Alcalá was established as center of the university structure designed by Cardinal Cisneros from 1499. Its facade was built from 1537 by Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón, architect of cathedrals of Salamanca and Segovia, was finished in 1553 rigger being the same Pedro de la Cotera. In its elegant decor they worked the most qualified of the time and forged their teachers bars admirable Cathedral of Toledo Francisco de Villalpando and Ruiz Diaz of the Corral carvers. Retains the Patio de Santo Tomas de Villanueva, the Philosopher and the trilingual. The Auditorium and the University Chapel are the only two buildings of the College built in the days of its founder. Escolástico the auditorium or theater, Located in the western bay of the Trilingual Patio, it was destined to the imposition of degrees and where solemn academic events took place.
It owes its origin to the old Jewish aljama of the city, around the twelfth century, which was built along the path of the Caesar Augusta Roman road that passed through Complutum. As today, it was the commercial street of Alcalá par excellence during the Middle Ages, so it was supported almost entirely, to place the stores at street level, while the houses were on the upper floor (with a gallery that communicated to the inhabitants of the different homes without having to descend to the public thoroughfare).
Miguel de Cervantes’ place of birth has long been debated and questioned, and it wasn’t until 1948 that Luis Astrana Marín, author of The Heroic and Exemplary Life of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, proclaimed this very building as such. The property is situated in the historic old city of Alcalá de Henares, next to the ‘Hospital de Antezana’, where the writer’s father, Rodrigo de Cervantes, worked. As a result of this discovery, the Alcalá de Henares City Council bought the property in 1954 to establish a Cervantes museum. The current Museum, inaugurated in 1956 as the ‘Cervantes Museum and Library’, is a product of the reconstruction work done to the original property. The reconstruction involved the creation of a garden and a new entranceway at number 48 Calle Mayor. It had previously been located at number 2 Calle Imagen. By way of Royal Decree 680/1985 of April 19 the Casa Natal de Cervantes was given over to the Community of Madrid.
Cathedral Magistral of Saints Justo and Pastor, stands as throughout the Middle Ages was the center of the town. With a concentric circle structure, this place departed the various streets leading to the gates of the walled enclosure. In addition to its status as a religious center, it was to turn the political and social center of Alcala. in the Plaza de Abajo and Picota the council houses were located. Its origin dates back to the martyrdom of Justo and Pastor, happened in this place at the beginning of the fourth century, as the cathedral stands on the site where according to tradition were beheaded and buried martyrs Justo and Pastor. On earlier buildings, from 1497 it begins to build in Gothic style, the current building by decision of Cardinal Cisneros, entrusting the work to Anton and Enrique Egas brothers, aided by complutense Pedro Gumiel. The Church has dignity reinstating Cathedral of the Diocese Complutense in 1991.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately.
- Children under 3 years old can join for free if seated on a parent's lap.
- Please inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque architecture.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
- Easy Public Transport
- Stroller Accessible
- Wheelchair Accessible
Good to know
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Traveler reviews
Tour Cancelled, Gaslit by Fun and Tickets
My tour guide cancelled the day before and promised a refund. I messaged back and forth with Fun and Tickets with many more promises of a refund that never came. After a week of this, I decided to cut my losses and leave a two-star review describing what happened, saying I’m sure it’s a great tour, I just didn’t get to go. I tried to keep things peaceful. Imagine my surprise when Fun and Tickets replied to my review saying I was lying (despite me having lots of screenshotted proof of the cancellation and refund promises), I did go on the tour, and I would never get a refund! Quite surprised. I’ve never been gaslit by a tour before. I’ve also never left a bad review before, but this felt like the time to do it. Anyway. I’m sure it’s a great tour, I just didn’t get to go! They’ve since deleted their reply to me, and they finally gave me a refund, but only after I called them out for the crazy reply. The communication was absurd.
Spectacular
The guide is a very kind person.
A good tour to get to know the city.
The driver was great and provided us with a lot of information on the way to our destination. Punctual and comfortable car. The city visit was very interesting and had a good route. The guide was very friendly and explained everything very well.
Not as advertised
Very hot. Guide not as good as expected. Had tabacco in his mouth The Whole time. Gross. Meanwhile, Alcala was not as expected. A lot of hype which didn’t live up to what was there.
An essential tour to understand Cervantes.
I took the Miguel de Cervantes tour in Alcalá de Henares and it was a deeply enriching experience. It's not just about walking through historic streets, but about understanding the environment that shaped the life and work of the most important author in Spanish literature. David was excellent. His explanation was precise, well-structured, and full of relevant information. He conveyed knowledge with professionalism and clarity that really helps connect each point of the tour with the figure of Cervantes. The visit integrates history, architecture, and literature in a balanced way. The Birthplace was one of the highlights: a well-maintained space, full of details that allow one to imagine the era and better understand the context in which Cervantes grew up. It is an ideal tour for those seeking an authentic and well-guided cultural experience. You leave with a deeper understanding of Cervantes and the historical importance of Alcalá de Henares. Highly recommended!