Visit Alcala de Henares
An easy and short train ride from the main train station at Atocha, Madrid leads to you Alcala de Henares. The birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the celebrated writer where you will find his name plastered on major sites like his statue on Cervantes Plaza along with many other historical sites. The gorgeous square is a meeting place with Spanish Renaissance with the oldest theatres in Europe aong with many tapas bars lining the town center
You can easily do a day trip to visit Alcala de Henares, a distinctive Unesdo recognized historic site and a fantastic option to enjoy a day outside of Madrid
How to get to Alcalá de Henares
Less than an hour’s train ride from Madrid’s main train station, you can easily take a day trip to visit Alcala de Henares and experience this small scale city filled with historic treasures and charm to explore and do a walking tour of the historic district.
To get to Alcala de Henares, take the local commuter Cercanias train (Line 2 or Line 7) from Atocha Station to Alcalá de Henares train station. Trains run throughout the day.
Getting to Alcalá de Henares from Madrid is easy and affordable, with multiple transportation options available:
By Train (Cercanías) – Fastest & Most Convenient
- Take the Cercanías C-2 or C-7 commuter train from Atocha, Chamartín, or Nuevos Ministerios stations.
- The ride takes 30-40 minutes.
- Trains run frequently (every 10-15 minutes during peak hours).
- Tickets cost around €3.60 one way (or use a transport pass like the Abono Joven if applicable).
By Bus – Budget-Friendly Alternative
- Bus 223 departs from Avenida de América station in Madrid.
- The trip takes 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Buses run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.
- Ticket costs about €3.60.
By Car – Most Flexible
- Alcalá de Henares is about 35 km east of Madrid via the A-2 highway.
- The drive takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Parking can be tricky in the historic center, but there are paid and free options.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing (Uber/Bolt/Cabify)
- A taxi from Madrid costs around €35-50, depending on the starting point.
- Ride-sharing apps may be slightly cheaper.
Best Option?
The Cercanías train (C-2 or C-7) is the fastest, most reliable, and affordable way to get there.
A quick history on Alcala de Henares
Alcalá de Henares, located about 35 km northeast of Madrid, has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Complutum. The city later became an important Moorish settlement before being reconquered by Christian forces in the 11th century.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Alcalá flourished, largely due to the establishment of the University of Alcalá in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros. The university became one of Spain’s most prestigious centers of learning, playing a key role in the Spanish Renaissance and the development of the first standardized Spanish grammar.
The city is also famous as the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, one of the most influential works in Spanish literature. Today, Alcalá de Henares is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved historic center, university buildings, and cultural significance.
Top things to do and attractions at Alcala de Henares
You can easily spend the whole day just visiting the historic central district of Alcala de Henares. Here are some of the most popular attractions, monuments and architectural wonders to visit in the Unesco site.
Visit the home Cervantes was born in
In Alcala you can tour the house Cervantes was born in and see statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza (we’ve seen other DQ and SP statues in other parts of Spain too, including at the Plaza de Espana in Madrid; the Spanish people seem to really love that work). It was definitely worth the trip for just the Cervantes connection.
Plaza de Cervantes
The lively heart of the city, this square is surrounded by historic buildings and features a statue of Cervantes. It is a beautiful and well maintained square and photo op spots to enjoy and capture in photographs when you explore this colorful square.
Archaeological Museum
Our next stop in Alcala was the Regional Archaeological Museum of Madrid, which is housed in a cool old building that was once a convent (this seems common in Spain) and had some very interesting exhibits about the inhabitants of this area from prehistoric times to when the Spanish royal court moved to Madrid in the 16th century.
Roman city of Complutum
Complutum was an important Roman city established in the 1st century BCE, located in what is now Alcalá de Henares, Spain. It became a key urban center in the province of Hispania and was strategically positioned along major Roman trade routes. By the 3rd century CE, it had grown into a well-developed city with paved streets, a forum, public baths, aqueducts, and domus (Roman houses).
One of the most remarkable sites within Complutum is the House of Hippolytus, a Roman villa complex believed to have been part of an elite family’s estate. It features well-preserved mosaics, including one depicting marine life, which suggests the presence of a fish farm or water-related economic activity.
Although Complutum declined with the fall of the Roman Empire, its ruins offer valuable insight into daily life during Roman times in Spain. Today, visitors can explore the archaeological site, walk through ancient streets, and admire the remains of structures that once formed a thriving Roman settlement.
Cathedral of Saints Justo and Pastor (Magistral Cathedral)
The Magistral Cathedral of Alcalá de Henares (Catedral Magistral de los Santos Niños Justo y Pastor) is a historic and architecturally significant church in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. It is one of only two cathedrals in the world to hold the title of Magistral, meaning all of its clergy were required to hold a doctorate in theology—a distinction it shares with St. Peter’s Church in Leuven, Belgium.
History & Significance
The cathedral stands on the site where Justo and Pastor, two young Christian martyrs, were executed in 304 AD during the Roman persecution under Emperor Diocletian. A chapel was built in their honor, which later evolved into a church and, by the late 15th century, a grand Gothic-style cathedral commissioned by Cardinal Cisneros, a key figure in the Spanish Renaissance and founder of the University of Alcalá.
Architectural Features
- The cathedral showcases a late Gothic (Isabelline Gothic) style with elements of Renaissance influence.
- Its tower and façade were later restored in a Herrerian style, known for its clean, geometric lines.
- The interior is spacious, featuring a three-aisled layout, tall ribbed vaults, and intricate stonework.
- The main altarpiece and several chapels house religious artworks, sculptures, and relics of saints.
- The cloister and courtyard provide a tranquil space, with an adjacent museum showcasing religious artifacts.
What to Visit at the University of Alcalá de Henares
The University of Alcalá de Henares (Universidad de Alcalá) is one of Spain’s most historic and prestigious academic institutions. Founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, it became a center of learning during the Spanish Golden Age and was the birthplace of the Complutensian Polyglot Bible, a pioneering multilingual edition of the Bible. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can explore its beautifully preserved buildings, courtyards, and historical rooms.
1. Colegio de San Ildefonso (University Main Building)
This is the heart of the historic university, where you’ll find:
- The Façade – A stunning example of Plateresque architecture, with intricate carvings and coats of arms.
- The Paraninfo (Great Hall) – One of the most iconic rooms, where the Cervantes Prize for Literature is awarded each year. Its wooden coffered ceiling (Mudejar style) and Renaissance décor make it a highlight.
- The Chapel of San Ildefonso – The burial site of Cardinal Cisneros, with an impressive alabaster tomb.
2. The Three Historic Courtyards
- Patio de Santo Tomás de Villanueva – A Herrerian-style courtyard with symmetrical arches.
- Patio de los Filósofos – Once used for lectures and student gatherings.
- Patio Trilingüe – Where Latin, Greek, and Hebrew were taught as part of the Complutensian Polyglot Bible project.
3. The Old University Library
- Home to ancient manuscripts, rare books, and academic works, including documents related to Cervantes and other Spanish literary figures.
4. The Former Student Residences (Colleges or Colegios Menores)
- Scattered around the city, these buildings once housed students from different regions of Spain. Some have been repurposed for cultural and academic use.
Other Notable University-Related Sites in Alcalá
- Cervantes’ Birthplace Museum – Though not part of the university, this museum highlights the life of Miguel de Cervantes, who was born in Alcalá.
- Corral de Comedias – One of Spain’s oldest theaters, where university students and scholars once enjoyed performances.
- Archbishop’s Palace – Though not part of the university, it played a role in its history and once hosted meetings between Christopher Columbus and Queen Isabella.
Would you like recommendations for guided tours or specific areas to focus on during a visit?
Explore Calle Mayor
One of the best-preserved medieval streets in Spain, lined with historic arcades, charming shops, and restaurants. Calle Mayor is the major walking thoroughfare that is fun to do around the historic district and a great street to explore, shop, eat and enjoy the vibe of the center.
Archbishop’s Palace
A historic site where Christopher Columbus first met the Catholic Monarchs; today, it’s a cultural landmark (partly closed due to fire damage).
Further reading
Free things to do in Madrid, Spain
Conclusion to a visit to Alcala de Henares
Thanks for checking out this post on a visit to Alcala de Henares on Visiting Spain and Mediterranean.com, hope that this was helpful for planning a visit with things to do, attractions and other fun places to explore. Please come back again for more adventures in Spain and the Mediterranean coast.
