Plaza de Cervantes
Spain
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.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Plaza de Cervantes, the vibrant civic and cultural center of Alcalá de Henares. As a professor of literature and history, I find this space to be one of the most significant in Spain, for it is here that we honor…
Listen in the app2The Statue of Cervantes: A Bronze Tribute
At the very center of this square stands the bronze statue of Miguel de Cervantes, erected in 1879. Observe the figure carefully; he is depicted in the traditional dress of a 16th-century gentleman, holding a sword and a scroll. …
Listen in the app3The Oidor Chapel and the Baptismal Font
Just off the plaza lie the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, specifically the Capilla del Oidor. This is a site of immense historical and sentimental value, for it is the location where Miguel de Cervantes was baptized…
Listen in the app4The Tower of Santa Maria: A Vantage Point
Rising above the ruins of the Oidor Chapel is the Tower of Santa Maria. This slender brick structure is one of the most recognizable features of the Alcalá skyline. …
Listen in the app5The Corral de Comedias: Europe’s Oldest Theater
Located on one side of the plaza is the Corral de Comedias, a true hidden gem and one of the oldest functioning theaters in Europe. Opened in 1601, this space takes us back to the roots of Spanish drama. …
Listen in the app6The City Hall and the Civic Promenade
Bordering the plaza is the Ayuntamiento, or City Hall, housed in what was once a convent. This building represents the civic authority that has governed Alcalá for centuries. …
Listen in the app7The Gardens and the Spirit of the Golden Age
The final section of our exploration focuses on the gardens that give the Plaza de Cervantes its park-like atmosphere. These green spaces are a relatively modern addition, designed to provide a refuge from the sun and a place for…
Listen in the app8Closing
As our tour of the Plaza de Cervantes comes to an end, I hope you have felt the profound connection between this physical space and the literary soul of Spain. We have journeyed from the baptismal font where Miguel de Cervantes…
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What is Plaza de Cervantes?
Plaza de Cervantes is a place in Spain with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Spain |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 40.4834, -3.3645 |
| Last updated |
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