Alcalá de Henares

ALCALÁ DE HENARES, a little over 30km east from Madrid, is one of Europe’s most ancient university towns, and renowned as the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. In the sixteenth century the university was a rival to Salamanca’s, but in 1836 the faculties moved to Madrid and the town went into decline. Almost all the artistic heritage was lost in the Civil War and nowadays it’s virtually a suburb of Madrid. It is not somewhere you’d want to stay longer than it takes to see the sights.

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Rough Guides Editors

written by
Rough Guides Editors

updated 27.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover
Spain?

Get support from our local experts for
stress-free planning & worry-free travels

Plan my trip ⤍