Habsburg and Bourbon Spain

Alcalá de Henares

Today: Spain

Years: 1492–1833
Role: Cisneros's university city

Cardinal Cisneros founded the University of Alcalá here in 1499, and in 1509 gave the town its new charter. In the Comunero revolt it sided with the rebels, who governed it in 1520 and 1521, and Miguel de Cervantes was baptised here on 9 October 1547. Carlos II made it a city in 1687, and in 1836 the university moved to Madrid.

What to see today

Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso: University, 1499 to 1662
Capilla de San Ildefonso: Church, c. 1501 to 1516
Catedral de los Santos Niños Justo y Pastor (Iglesia Magistral de los Santos Justo y Pastor): Cathedral, 1497 to 1514
Palacio Arzobispal de Alcalá de Henares (Palacio Arzobispal): Palace, 1524 to 1545
Monasterio de San Bernardo (Convento de las Bernardas): Monastery, 1617 to 1626
Puerta de Madrid: Gate, 1788
Ermita del Cristo de los Doctrinos: Church, 16th century
Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora: Church, c. 1540 to 1598
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista: Church, 1695 to 1736
Iglesia de San Cipriano: Church, c. 1501 to 1668

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