Initially I was rather underwhelmed by Alcala; it just seemed like an unremarkable commuter town. However a slightly rambling wander finally saw me arrive at the grand edifice of the main university building. From then on things started to look up.

Wandering around the main campus I was reminded of my own time studying at an historic European university and I was suitably impressed by the way that the long-standing buildings had been updated for 21st century needs, especially in the chapel that has now become a hi-tech library. The buildings were well presented and buzzing with academic life. Unfortunately the tours didn't match up with my own travel arrangements so I had to make do with just wondering around looking like a lost foreign student.

The main square was pleasant though nothing out of the ordinary; and the same could be said for the cathedral, though the presence of nesting storks on every roof time was thoroughly enjoyable. After this I headed to Cervantes rebuilt birthplace. It was a nice pleasant place to stroll around and get an idea of what a 16th century abode looked like. There was also a good collection of various editions of Don Quixote, making me think I should finally dust off my copy and get past the first 150 pages!

After this I headed back to the station and encountered an unexpected delight in the Laredo Palace a rather wonderful neo-mudjear/ modernisme building that wouldn't look out of place in Eixample in Barcelona.

Alcala ended up being a nice little trip out from out from Madrid. I wouldn't say it was particularly astounding; but it was a nice way to round off my second trip to the Spanish capital. The familiar feel of an old European university town was enough to win me over despite its sometimes work-a-day appearance, and the direct association with a colossus of Western literature is a lovely added bonus.

[Site 4: Experience 4]