Plaza de Cervantes, Historic plaza in Alcalá de Henares, Spain
Plaza de Cervantes is a rectangular plaza in Alcalá de Henares with covered arcades along its northern and western sides that provide shelter. The space is enclosed by historic buildings that maintain the character of a traditional marketplace.
The plaza originated in medieval times as a marketplace outside the city walls and received royal market privileges in 1184. These origins as a trading center continue to shape its appearance and function today.
The plaza is named after Miguel de Cervantes, the famous author whose statue has occupied the center since the 1800s. This connection to the writer makes it a meaningful spot for visitors interested in literature and the city's identity.
The plaza sits centrally and is easy to reach on foot, with connections to Calle Mayor and other main streets that lead through the historic district. Shops, cafes, and restaurants are located directly around the square and in the nearby streets.
A decorative music kiosk from the late 1800s, built by Martin Pastells, still serves occasionally as a performance stage for local music events. This structure is one of the few surviving examples of this type of public infrastructure from that era.
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