Paraninfo de la Universidad de Alcalá, Ceremonial hall in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
The Paraninfo de la Universidad de Alcalá is a ceremonial hall featuring a rectangular layout in Alcalá de Henares. The ceiling displays Mudejar wooden construction decorated with six-pointed stars and hexagonal patterns across its 450 square meter (4,844 square foot) surface.
Pedro de la Cotera built this academic hall between 1516 and 1520 following Cardinal Cisneros' instructions, though the Cardinal died before completion. The construction took place during a period when the university was establishing itself as a major center of learning.
The hall displays Renaissance plasterwork by Gutiérrez de Cárdenas and Pedro de Villarroel featuring Italian motifs without human figures. This ornamental style reflects the scholarly character of the space and defines how visitors experience the room today.
The entrance is accessed through the Hostería del Estudiante courtyard located nearby. Inside, you can see the names of Cervantes Prize winners displayed on the walls, providing a sense of the hall's cultural importance.
The floor features geometric patterns in ceramic tiles representing traditional designs from the former Toledo archbishopric. This flooring is an often-overlooked detail that reflects the region's craftsmanship heritage.
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