Description:
The University of Alcala de Henares was founded in 1499, when Cardinal Cisneros promoted the Estudios Generales, founded in 1293 to the rank of University. From the start it was a prominent university, consulted by the Spanish Kings and the Church on theological questions and public affairs. Some of its professors, like Ignatius de Loyola, Lope de Vega and Quevedo, were eminent personalities in the world of art and philosophy of their time and the first Castilian grammar was written here. In the 19th century the Spanish Government closed the University of Alcala de Henares, as it belonged to a religious order, and established a new University in Madrid. The buildings fell into decay and were prevented from demolition only through action by a group of citizens, who founded a Society with the aim of protecting the heritage of the University until its re-establishment, although prospects were poor. Since 1850 the buildings served as prisons and barracks, using the old rooms of the college as cells, sleeping quarters for soldiers, storage facilities, stables and granaries. In 1977 a new University of Alcala de Henares was opened. In 1985 it was decided to buy the old buildings and to restore them to their original use.