Founded by Cardinal Cisneros at the start of the 16th Century, Alcalá de Henares was the first planned University city in the world. The first example of the concepts of the ideal city, the City of God (Civitas Dei) is to be found in this beautiful town; from there the idea spread around the world.
An outstanding feature of the building is the paranymph, the old Aula Magna, which served as a stable in the 19th Century and is currently a magnificent stage where the Cervantes Prize is awarded every year. As well as all this, the Chapel of St. Ildefonso houses the tomb of Cardinal Cisneros.
In 1988, both Alcalá de Henaras and the University were named World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This was made possible by the quality of the buildings from the Siglo de Oro (Spain's Golden Century), the quality of the University and the fact that it was the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes.
Location: Plaza de San Diego, s/n. Alcalá de Henares (Madrid).