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This delightful small town has a
population of approximately 21,000 and is located on the N432 between
Cordoba (85km) and Granada (47km) although, technically, it falls
within the province of Jaen. The town has an impressive fortress
and was a strategic stronghold during medieval times, and subsequently
occupied by the Moors in 713. Thereafter, Alcalá was the scene of
frequent battles between the Moors and the Christians. This tumultuous
period lasted until 1341 when Alfonso XI gained control of the town.
The crown established an abbey here which was deemed the headquarters
from where to launch a major offensive on Granada.
La Mota Castle
This magnificent castle dates back
to 727 when the town was under Muslim rule. It was later expanded.
The castle was badly damaged in
the 19th century when battles were fought with France and it was
thereafter abandoned. The three rows of fortifications are still
in evidence, however, and there is a small museum open to the public.
Abbey Church
Located within the original city
walls is another of the town's important buildings - the Abbey Church
which was built on the site of the original Alcalá Abbey.
 It is an extremely imposing building
with a 42 metre tower looming above the old part of the city, and
said to date back to between 1530 and 1627. The church is a combination
of various architectural styles, including Gothic and Renaissance,
and the vaults are particularly impressive, being entirely constructed
from hued stone.
St Juan Church
This church dates back to the late
sixteenth century and is located on the hill leading up to the castle.
It is one of Alcalá's most popular
churches and houses the 'Cristo de la Salud' which is used during
the annual Holy Week processions.
Town Hall
The town hall is housed in an impressive
early eighteenth century building, fronted by gracious arcades.
The clock tower was added in 1791.
There is an identical building opposite the town hall which was
built at the same time and now houses shops and offices.
El Llanillo
The streets that surround the town
hall are in a district known as "El Llanillo". This area
is noted for its historic buildings, as well as some fine nineteenth
century architecture.
Located on Carrera de la Mercedes
are the church and convent of La Encarnation which dates from 1639.
The nearby Palacio Abacial was rebuilt in 1781 and combines Baroque
with Italian and French architectural design.
Paseo de los Alamos
The welcoming exterior walkway is
one of the town's focal points where the locals enjoy taking their
evening "paseo", particularly
on a Sunday afternoon. Throughout the year, this is also the site
for various fairs and markets. The design is eighteenth century
and in one corner, there is a pillar dated 1552 which bears the
inscription:"'the key and guardian of the kingdoms of Castile."
(Alcalá)
Alcalá is the birthplace of Andalusian
Baroque architecture. Martones Montañes (1568-1649), the famous
architect and principal exponent of the Seville architectural school
was born here, as was Pablo de Rojas (1560-1607) who represented
the school of Granada.
The traditional handicrafts of Alcalá,
include embroidery, pottery and leather.
Local Festivals
February 2
La Candeleria. A mini 'fallas' (Valencia) when bonfires are lit
throughout the town.
Holy Week
An important religious holiday with daily processions taking place
through the main streets of the town.
May 15 - San Isidro
Locals enjoy a picnic in the surrounding countryside.
June 24 - San Juan
Bonfires and fireworks
August 15 - Virgin de la Mercedes
A dazzling procession with more than 12,000 lit candles.
September 21-25 - Annual fair
of San Mateo
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