Highlights of Alcala de Henares, Alcala de Henares, Spain

University town of Alcalá de Henares is recognized on the World Heritage registry for being the first such planned town and a model for subsequent others. As is often the case with so recognized locales, it is cute and lively without having any knockout features: just a really nice place to be.

The university was founded towards the end of 13th century but gained its prominence in the 16th under Cardinal Cisneros, who had a big hand in transforming the city and making it a center of learning.

Façade of the university chapel, Capilla Universitaria de San Ildefonso, build in 1510 as part of the main university complex.

The central pedestrian street of the town, Calle Mayor. This is an early-morning shot, when the town was still sleepy. Later in the day, the street got really busy.

If you have been to Madrid and ever looked at Puerta de Alcalá, you may realize the connection: the gates stand at the opposite ends of the road leading from one city to the other.

Do you see the huge stork nest on the tower? I only noticed it when processing the photographs, but it turns out that storks are famous for residing in and around town. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).