We started the day in front of the Universidad de Alcalá with a lesson on "reading" architecture. The university was established in 1500 by Cardinal Francisco Jiménez Cisneros who served as counselor to the Catholic Kings, Isabel of Castile and Fernando de Aragón. The façade was constructed over the original brick/stone construction of the Colegio de San Idelfonso between 1537 and 1553. The façade represents a clear example of "purist Renaissance" architecture and stands at a significant crossroad in juxtaposition to the pending Councils of Trent that would place significant restrictions on art and representation as the Church attempted to rein in and codify Catholic doctrine and practice. The method employed was "plateresque" because the sculptures imitate the designs used by silversmiths from the period.
The façade is a treasure trove of representations both religious and mythical that point the viewer towards the institution's primary goal: the pursuit of knowledge both "secular" and religious. Integrated throughout the building are reminders of the foundation of knowledge in God, Peter and Paul, and the Church Fathers: San Ambrosio, San Gregorio, San Jerónmo, and San Agustín. The ten windows along the third floor are thought to represent the Ten Commandments while above them are twelve flames or torches that allude to the day of Pentecost. Dominating the scene at the apex of the central area high above the entrance is the representation of God and prominent above God's head is a "custodia" that holds a representation the "host" or sacramental wafer signifying the body of Christ.
Directly below the representation of God is the seal of Charles I of Spain with the two-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire. The shield details the heraldry of the many countries that fell under the rule of Charles who was not only the King of Spain but also the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. On each side of the shield are the columns of Hercules with the phrase "Plus Ultra" (meaning "further beyond") written one word on each column. This was to remind the observer of the extent of the King's power throughout the known world.
Below the royal shield is a representation of San Idelfonso (located just above the balcony/window). On each side are "alabarderos" (the king's invincible warriors) with two more figures, known as atlas, flanking them and holding tightly to support columns. All this action turns inwardly to force us to focus on the iron-clad balcony/window. Behind this iron grate is the university's library; an inner sanctum of knowledge.
The figures on either side (both real and mythic) are charged with protecting and upholding the place of knowledge within the framework of the university. Interestingly, before one enters the doors of the university they must cross a barrier of columns and chains. This barrier symbolizes the passage from the common sphere of the public plaza to that of the place of learning; passing the doors into the inner patios of the university.
Later today we went to the home/birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. It is a lovely representation of how Cervantes might have lived and the things that might have filled the home's several spaces. Little is original to the home except the well in the central courtyard.
Here are some of the rooms and the way that they might have been during the author's lifetime:
Since his father was a surgeon it is possible that his patients would have come to the home for treatment.
The lady's sitting room
The kitchen
All in all it was a good day filled with learning. Tomorrow will be yet an other experience and adventure. Stay tuned!
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