Alcalá de Henares, the former city of Complutum in Roman times, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1998 due to the importance of "the University and the Historic Precinct of Alcala de Henares”, thereby recognising its historical trajectory and the collective effort to recover this heritage and its role in disseminating the Spanish language and culture. As a cultural centre which has always been closely linked to the city, the Complutense University fills the city with life. Nowadays, its Paraninfo – the university assembly hall – is the venue for the presentation of the Cervantes Literature Award, the highest award in the Spanish language.

The streets of Alcala have witnessed the presence of many important figures, such as Quevedo, Cisneros, Nebrija … however, Miguel de Cervantes, the most famous writer in the Spanish language, is indisputably the name which is universally associated with Alcala. The marks of this author and his works are evident throughout the city; you only need to follow them to discover the history and heritage of a city full of charm.

[ UNIVERSITY ] Founded by Cardinal Cisneros.	[PALACES AND COLLEGES ] Important civil and religious heritage	[PLAZA DE CERVANTES (SQUARE) ] Nerve centre of the city.
[ CORRAL DE COMEDIAS ] The oldest theatre in Europe.	[ COMPLUTUM] Roman origins of Alcalá de Henares.	[THE TRACE OF THE SPANISH LANGUAGE] · Cervantes · El Quijote · Premios Cervantes · Biblia Políglota