Alcala de Henares, Spain
Meaning Castle on the river Henares, Alcala de Henares is the first city in the world specifically designed as an University City. Located to the east of Madrid, this is a charming town renowned for its beautiful Renaissance architecture was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Founded by Cardinal Jimenez de Cisneros in 1499, Alcala de Henares became famous as a centre of learning during the Renaissance. Actually, this is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. Renowned in the Spanish-speaking world, the university awards each year the highly prestigious Cervantes Prize.
