The Citadel on the Henares River

This is a place which is very close to the Spanish capital (at a distance of only 35km). It has a long history dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, and the Roman period as well as it passed through the Arab dominion on the Iberian Peninsula, the glory of Isabel and Ferdinand’s Kingdom and the great discoveries, and the Civil War in Spain. It’s the birthplace and home of two prominent people in the history of Spain. The town situated on the Henares River is the birthplace of the greatest ever son of Spanish literature – Miguel de Cervantes, and his internationally loved and recognized masterpiece – Don Quixote. Last but not least, it was home to Catherine of Aragon before she “jumped” into the ill-fated hands of Henry VIII of England.  And of course, there is another famous person who was connected with this town. This was that adventurous maritime man and dreamer from Genoa called Christopher Columbus who met Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand before finding the New World. Maybe you have already realized which the town is. Yes?! There is no doubt I am talking about ….

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The town has always attracted with its strategic geographical location. It’s situated in the Valley of the Henares River which is a very fertile land which is passed through when coming from the South Plateau to the Valley of the River Ebro. Its location, in fact, determines the name of the town.  The word “alcalá” is of Arab origin meaning “castle”. Al-qal’a is a common name shared by lots of Spanish towns and cities and that’s the reason why this citadel/fortress was differentiated from the rest and it was called Alcalá de Henares or the Citadel on the Henares River.

Speaking about the history of the town, it’s an ancient town whose origins go back to the distant Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Actually, that very first Celt-Iberian settlement is supposed to have borne the name of Iplacea and to have been located in the south hills like San Juan del Viso, not in today’s town.

We know that the Roman Empire was the greatest and largest empire ever and encompassed territories on three continents. The Iberian Peninsula didn’t make an exception. What do I mean? Celt-Iberian Iplacea turned into ancient Roman urban centre named Complutum. Actually, its Latin name derives from the word “compluvium” which means “where water converges”. And there is sense to have borne that name. Why? As I mentioned, this land is extremely fertile and one of the reasons is the bunch of streams (e.g. Camarmilla and Torote) that say “Hi” to one another there and “jump into” the Henares River.

The Romans were also attracted by the location because it was not very easily accessible. It could be reached from one side only plus it was quite rugged in the northern parts. All that determined its defensive functions and contributed to the gaining of control over the plain around the Roman settlement. So, we can say Complutum became a very important and strategic town in the Iberian Peninsula which appeared even on ancient Roman maps. It was recognized at the time of the Roman Empire simply because both the hills and the valley contributed greatly to the enlargement and flourishing of the city that was situated on the road between Zaragoza (Caesaraugusta) and Mérida (Emerita Augusta).

The ancient Roman remains are still on display in Alcalá de Henares either in Casa Hippolytus or on the archeological site  where the heart of the Roman city was, i.e. il foro romano (the Roman Forum). But, for sure, the most preserved heritage of that time is the martyrdom of two innocent children which is better known as Los Santos Niños. Justo and Pastor were two boys who had the destiny to be hanged over the stone which is housed in today’s Cathedral of the town. They were two schoolboys who lost their life because of their Christian faith under Roman Emperor Diocletian’s reign which was marked with the persecution of Christians.

The two kids were much loved by the locals of Alcalá de Henares, indeed. When their remains were found out during the Visigoth period, the Archbishop of Toledo commissioned the construction of a chapel where Justo and Pastor’s relics were placed (as a matter of fact, they have still been kept there up to present times). The two children were declared saints and il Duomo of the city (i.e. Masterly Cathedral of The Holy Children, Justo and Pastor) is dedicated to them.

When you enter the yard of the Cathedral, the boys “greet” you. When you go into the holy building, you’re amazed with its splendor as well as you feel the grief that encompassed Justo and Pastor’s life. The museum is worth a visit. As to the tower, if it is opened, it will give you the chance to indulge in birds’ eye views of Alcalá de Henares.

Now we are leaving Roman Complutum in order to head to Qal’at Abd al-Sälam where we can meet another culture which has always been part of the town.