The history of the University of Alcalá de Henares dates back to its foundation in 1499. In 1501 Cardinal Cisneros laid the first stone and founded the “Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso de Alcalá de Henares”; the origin of the University of Alcalá de Henares. Cardinal Cisneros’ mission was to convert the “Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso” into a great center of academic excellence during the 16th and 17th centuries. In this manner, the reforming purposes of the Cardinal were achieved, improving the education of clergymen and churchmen of the time and turning it into the first Renaissance, humanist and universal university. Continue reading “The University of Alcalá de Henares”
Category: Country
The Roman Theater of Malaga
Located in the historic center of the city of Malaga, the Roman Theater is the first thing that stands out when you arrive in this beautiful city of Andalusia. It is the archaeological remains of what would be the Roman Malaca dating back to the VII-VI centuries B.C. with the configuration of the Phoenician city of Malaka and the main vestige preserved of the Roman presence in Malaga. Continue reading “The Roman Theater of Malaga”
The Saint-Michel fountain in Paris
It was the last great Parisian fountain located on a facade since subsequently, all monumental fountains were placed in squares or parks. The Saint-Michel fountain, is a Parisian fountain located in the 6th arrondissement of the city, situated in the corner between the boulevard Saint-Michel and Place Saint-André-des-Arts. We happened to visit it at a time when it was surrounded by tents due to an artisan market that was taking place at the end of May. Continue reading “The Saint-Michel fountain in Paris”
The Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”
Just as grandiose and majestic as its name suggests, so is the Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”, when you look at it up close. In 1931 it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and in 1984 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Continue reading “The Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial””
The Arch of Triumph – L’Arc de Triomphe
At last we got the opportunity to see and climb to the top of the most famous triumphal arch in the world, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Although Napoleon Bonaparte ordered its construction in 1806, to commemorate the victory in the battle of Austerlitz, it was during the mandate of Louis-Philippe that it was completed in 1836. Its construction lasted thirty years and its architect was Jean-François Chalgrin. Continue reading “The Arch of Triumph – L’Arc de Triomphe”
The Basilica of San Isidoro in León Part 2: Museum, Cloister, Royal Pantheon y Tower
A visit to the Basilica of San Isidoro cannot end without a visit to its Museum. This occupies what was the Royal Tribune, which later became the Chapter House. Today you enter through the cloister, which also gives access to the Royal Pantheon. Continue reading “The Basilica of San Isidoro in León Part 2: Museum, Cloister, Royal Pantheon y Tower”
The Basilica of San Isidoro de Leon Part 1: Exterior and Interior
We arrived very early at the Plaza San Isidoro in León to have our encounter with its Basilica, considered one of the most outstanding Romanesque style architectural ensembles in Spain. This distinction has been earned due to its history, architecture, sculpture, and the conservation of very important Romanesque elements. Continue reading “The Basilica of San Isidoro de Leon Part 1: Exterior and Interior”
The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 3: Gardens, Fountains and Ponds
The gardens are a fundamental element of the Real Alcázar of Seville. They are the oldest in the city and since their creation they have undergone major alterations that have transformed their original layout. Continue reading “The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 3: Gardens, Fountains and Ponds”
The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 2: Palaces, Courtyards and Halls
The Palace of King Don Pedro is the great Mudejar contribution to the “Alcázar” of Seville (1364-1367). The façade of this great palace unfolds in the Patio othe Hunt (“de la Monteria”) like a great altarpiece. It responds to Muslim and eventually Byzantine schemes and shows a tripartite organization. Continue reading “The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 2: Palaces, Courtyards and Halls”
The Royal “Alcazar” of Seville Part 1: Entry, Halls y Patios
The Royal “Alcazar” is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and is the residence of the Spanish royal family when they visit Seville, making it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. In 1987, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, along with the Cathedral of Seville and the “Archivo de Indias”. Continue reading “The Royal “Alcazar” of Seville Part 1: Entry, Halls y Patios”