Paraninfo de la Universidad de Alcalá
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.
Location: Alcalá de Henares
Inception: 1516
Elevation above the sea: 588 m
Part of: Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso, Complutense University, Manzana Fundacional Cisneriana de la Universidad de Alcalá
Address: Plaza de San Diego, 7
GPS coordinates: 40.48176,-3.36275
Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:55
Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso
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Plaza de Cervantes
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Cenotaph of Cardenal Cisneros
97 m
Renaissance facade of the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso, University of Alcalá
132 m
Parador de Alcalá de Henares
107 m
Patrimonio histórico de Alcalá de Henares
94 m
Chapel of Saint Ildephonsus
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Colegio de Málaga
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Colegio de Dominicos de Santo Tomás de Aquino
107 m
Manzana Fundacional Cisneriana de la Universidad de Alcalá
131 m
Old Church of Santa María, Alcalá de Henares
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Edificio de las Cráteras, Alcalá de Henares
136 m
Rosaleda Ángel Esteban
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Museo Luis González Robles de la Universidad de Alcalá
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Monument to Miguel de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares
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Colegio-convento de Agonizantes (Alcalá de Henares)
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Town hall of Alcalá de Henares
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Oidor Chapel (Alcalá de Henares)
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Colegio de la Madre de Dios o de los Teólogos (Alcalá de Henares)
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Colegio-convento de los Agustinos Calzados (Alcalá de Henares)
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Monument to Luis Astrana Marín, Alcalá de Henares
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Monument to Cardinal Cisneros, Alcalá de Henares
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Colegio de San Leandro (Alcalá de Henares)
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Hospedería de Estudiantes del Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso
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Hotel Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares
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Colegio de San Jerónimo o Trilingüe (Alcalá de Henares)
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Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción (Universidad de Alcalá)
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Patio de Santo Tomás de Villanueva of the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso, University of Alcalá
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