Alcalá de Henares was once a meeting place for great cultures such as the Roman and Islamic Empires. Likewise, it was an economic and decision-making center of Spain and the world. The "Universidad Complutense", one of the first European Universities, originated here in Alcalá. It was host to great thinking men who have contributed to Spain’s magnificent history of ideas, art, and literature. Men such as Cervantes, Quevedo, Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca, Ignacio de Loyola, and Nebrija made the University one of the great cultural centers of the world. This continuing tradition is what makes the University of Alcalá one of the most prestigious universities in Spain and is what lead to Alcalá being named a town of Historical Heritage by the UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION (UNESCO Town of Historical Heritage).

Alcalá has a population of 170,000 and is the second largest town in the region of Madrid. Strategically located in the heart of Spain on the banks of the river Henares, from which it takes it name, Alcalá is a major center of communications just 15 kilometers away from an international airport and only 30 from Madrid. (Click here to see map)