Landmark
Irish College at Alcala
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The Irish College at Alcalá de Henares is a historic landmark that once served as a seminary for Irish Catholic priests fleeing persecution in Ireland during the 17th century. Founded in 1629, it was part of a network of Irish colleges across Catholic Europe. The building features a baroque façade, a tranquil courtyard with a well, and a chapel with ornate plasterwork. Today, it functions as a cultural center and museum, hosting exhibitions on the Irish diaspora and the college's role in preserving Gaelic culture. Visitors can tour the restored rooms, including the refectory and library, and learn about the students' rigorous education in theology and philosophy.
Don't miss
- The baroque chapel with its intricate plaster ceiling and Irish inscriptions
- The courtyard with a central well and original stone arcades
- Exhibits on the Irish diaspora and the college's links to the Spanish Habsburg court
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Irish College at Alcala
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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