The Complutense city will host another edition of 'Nights of Heritage', a cultural event designed to bring the rich heritage of Alcalá de Henares closer to residents and visitors. Over two days, the initiative will combine the opening of historical sites with guided tours, music, theater, and dance performances, family-friendly activities, craft demonstrations, and various expressions of intangible heritage.
As part of the 'Open Heritage' initiative, the public can access several heritage spaces free of charge on Saturday, September 12, with extended hours until midnight. The Tourist Office-Capilla del Oidor and the Birthplace Museum of Cervantes will be open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM. The Archaeological and Paleontological Museum of the Community of Madrid can be visited from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM. The Tower of Santa María, Complutum, the House of Hyppolitus, and the Antiquarium will also open with special hours.
The guided tour program includes the routes “Rutas y Leyendas de Alcalá” (Routes and Legends of Alcalá) at 6:00 PM and “Alcalá y San Ignacio de Loyola” (Alcalá and St. Ignatius of Loyola) at 6:30 PM on September 12, departing from the Capilla del Oidor and the Casa de la Entrevista, respectively. Additionally, “Descubre Alcalá de noche” (Discover Alcalá at Night) will offer a two-hour tour on September 11 and 12 at 9:30 PM, starting from the Casa de la Entrevista. Visits will also be made to the Historical Hall of the Sociedad de Condueños, the Monumental Staircase of the Escolapias, and the Museographic Hall of the BRIPAC.
Music will take center stage in locations such as the Ruins of Santa María, where the Schola Cantorum of Alcalá de Henares will perform a concert on September 11. The Hospital de Antezana will host candlelit music on September 12, and the Chapel of San Ildefonso will feature performances from the International Plectrum Festival. Theater will be presented at the Ruins of Santa María with “Hippolytus y Laetitia”, while the streets of Libreros and the Plaza de Cervantes will host “Drak Flama”.
Families can enjoy activities such as oral storytelling at the Old Hospital of Santa María la Rica on September 11, and a Family Dance Workshop on the 12th. The same venue will present the contemporary dance performance “Cuerpo de Tiempo” (Body of Time). The program also includes the craft workshop “El patrimonio de Alcalá entre moldes y barro” (Alcalá's Heritage between Molds and Clay).
Intangible heritage will be showcased with a parade by the Complutense Symphonic Band on September 12, touring from the Plaza de los Santos Niños, through Calle Mayor, to the Plaza de Cervantes. This square will also host the XI edition of VespAlcalá, an exhibition of classic scooters on Saturday, September 12. The XXXIII International Humor Exhibition will be on display at the Old Hospital of Santa María la Rica.
The 'Escena Patrimonio' (Heritage Scene) program at the Corral de Comedias will feature two pieces by Cienfuegosdanza: “Emigradas – Loca” on September 11 and “Emigradas – La Lunares” on September 12, both with free admission upon prior invitation collection.
Through this cultural offering, Alcalá de Henares transforms its historical heritage into a grand cultural stage, providing the public with the opportunity to explore monuments and unique spaces through artistic experiences for all ages. Activities with limited capacity will require prior registration or reservation.
