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Alcalá de Henares: 5000 years of history through the eyes of an archaeologist

The tour lasts 2 hours

Available in Italian

Description

A tour of about 2 hours to discover Alcalá de Henares through a historical and archaeological perspective, from its ancient origins to the contemporary age.
We will start from Plaza de Cervantes, introducing the concept of "urban stratigraphy" and the millenary history of the city, a UNESCO Heritage site.
We will tell how the area was already frequented in prehistoric times, before the birth of Complutum, the Roman city that marks the first major urban development of the area. Through Calle Mayor, we will see the medieval transformation, from the arrival of the Arabs (al-qal'a) to the urban structure still visible today.
At the Casa de Cervantes, we will talk about the Golden Age and the cultural growth of the 16th century. Subsequently, the University of Alcalá, founded by Cardinal Cisneros, will represent the Renaissance heart of the city.
Finally, at the Archbishop's Palace, we will address the role of ecclesiastical power. The tour concludes at Plaza de Cervantes after a journey through more than 5000 years of history.

Guide: Monica

Guiding since 2026

Hello! I'm Monica, an Italian archaeologist living in Alcalá de Henares, a beautiful city steeped in history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After graduating in Cultural Heritage from the University of Bologna, I moved to Spain to pursue a Master's degree in Archaeology and Management of Archaeological Heritage at the University of Alcalá. Today, I work as an archaeologist for an archaeological firm in Madrid and continue to dedicate my life to the study and promotion of historical heritage. In my free time, I'd love to share the beauty and history of Alcalá de Henares with others, from its Roman origins to the figure of Cervantes, including its ancient university and its centuries-old traditions. Being Italian, I'm well-versed in the curiosities and interests of Italian travelers, and I enjoy accompanying them on an authentic, engaging exploration of the city, away from the usual tourist routes. My tours are designed for those who want to experience Alcalá not just as a tourist, but as a vibrant place, rich in history, culture, and people. If you love history, archaeology, or simply want to discover one of Spain's most fascinating cities, I'd be happy to accompany you on this journey!

4 stops

2 hours

Meeting point:Punto de encuentroYou will easily recognize me because I will be in Plaza de Cervantes with a white umbrella and a tag "GuruWalk – Tour Alcalá with Monica". I will be waiting for you 10 minutes before the departure time.Open in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

University of Alcala

2

Outside visit

Faculty of Philosophy and Letters University of Alcala

3

Outside visit

Calle Mayor

4 stops

2 hours

Meeting point:Punto de encuentroYou will easily recognize me because I will be in Plaza de Cervantes with a white umbrella and a tag "GuruWalk – Tour Alcalá with Monica". I will be waiting for you 10 minutes before the departure time.Open in Google Maps →

1

Outside visit

University of Alcala

2

Outside visit

Faculty of Philosophy and Letters University of Alcala

3

Outside visit

Calle Mayor

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 3 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.