Renaissance facade of the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso, University of Alcalá, Renaissance facade in San Diego Square, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
The Renaissance facade of the Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso displays a grey granite plinth topped with golden limestone walls featuring intricate carvings and classical elements. The surface is richly decorated with ornamental details that reflect the refinement of Spanish Renaissance design.
Architect Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón redesigned the facade between 1541 and 1553, replacing earlier materials with more durable stone construction. This transformation responded to the university's desire to create a building that reflected its growing academic status.
The facade symbolizes the academic importance of the University of Alcalá, which became a center of learning and intellectual development from its founding. Visitors can read in the architecture the respect for education and knowledge that is rooted in this institution.
The building now houses the university's rectorate offices and is accessible from Plaza de San Diego. It is recommended to view the facade from different angles across the square to fully appreciate the sculptural details and proportions.
Two master craftsmen from Toledo Cathedral, Francisco de Villalpando and Ruiz Diaz del Corral, created the elaborate decorative elements adorning the facade. Their skilled work brought exceptional technical refinement to this academic building.
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