Central Spain
Alcalá de Henares
Back to Europe 2015
Segovia
Carbonero el Mayor
Valladolid
Alcalá de Henares has been occupied since the Bronze Age, inhabited by Romans, Vigoths, and Moors in succession.
In 1118 it was retaken by Castile. The name Alcalá derives from the Moorish word for citadel, or fort. It was here,
sometime in the 1480's, that Christopher Columbus first met with Ferdinand and Isabella, seeking funding for his
exploration of the New World from the spanish monarchs. The city is located about 25 miles NE of Madrid.
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| Miraflores de la Sierra, on the way from Segovia to Madrid. |
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| Plaza de Cervantes is the dominant feature in the city of 200,000. |
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| Alcalá de Henares is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, and of Catherine of Aragon, wife of Henry VIII. |
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| The Plaza de Cervantes bandstand. |
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| Capilla de Oidor in Plaza de Cervantes. |
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| Built on the site of the former Universidad Complutense, Universidad de Alcalá occupies some of the old buildings. |
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| Inside the University. |
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| Catedrál de Santos Niños. |
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| Archbishop's Palace, 13th century. Meeting place of Christopher Columbus and King Ferdinand, and birthplace of Catherine of Aragon. |
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| Calle
Mayor, a principal pedestrian street, lined with shops, restaurants and
bars. It is one of the longest arcaded streets in Spain, and dates from
the 12th century. |
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| Near the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. |
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| On the lighter side! |
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| Side street off of Calle Mayor. |
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| An extension of Calle Mayor on the other side of Plaza de Cervantes, Calle Libreros is lined with book sellers' stalls. |
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| We had a wonderful comida at a friend's house: Mussels, salad, tortilla, paella, shrimp, and empanada. Just delicious! |
Back to Europe 2015
Segovia
Carbonero el Mayor
Valladolid