Dream AlcaláPersonal experiencesThe streets of Alcalá

The streets of Alcalá

Walking through the streets of Alcala reminds me of being in a different century. The city’s center unites Spanish history, culture, and architecture.

Molly Tola, Wisconsin, USA.

One of my favorite hobbies here is roaming up and down Alcala’s cobblestone roads and admiring my surroundings. I live very close to the center and I am able to walk to the Institute instead of taking the bus. The passage through Alcala’s center is a very familiar daily route that I enjoy more every day. Thirty minutes round trip to and from class plus several additional trips to meet with friends makes for a lot of walking.

I do not mind the walking because it serves as a way to discover and explore more of Alcala. I love the cobblestone patterns that cover the pedestrian calle Mayor. Streets like Calle Mayor amplify Alcala’s historical ambiance but make it difficult to walk in heels (girls: Don’t wear stilettos!) And when I look up I enjoy seeing storks that nest on the historical buildings.

Between 5pm and 9pm, after siesta and more work but before dinner, the downtown center is packed with Alcala citizens walking through the streets. This early evening time is for going shopping, getting drinks, eating tapas, and enjoying Alcala´s picturesque atmosphere.

There is a down side to walking through Alcala – the crazy drivers and their cars! But I learned very quickly to only walk on the crosswalks and only cross streets when the little green man allows me to.