University · Colegio Mayor de San Ildefonso

San Ildefonso’s façade presents the university as an institution capable of shaping a city. Cisneros’s project began in 1499, while Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón built this front between 1537 and 1553. Begin with the composition from Plaza de San Diego, then approach to distinguish figures, reliefs and ironwork. Inside, courtyards change the pace and lead towards academic spaces such as the Paraninfo, where the Cervantes Prize is presented. You can view the façade independently, but check which courtyards, chapel and ceremonial rooms your chosen university visit includes. Set aside a separate slot: understanding the relationship between architecture and intellectual life is more rewarding than taking only a photograph of the entrance.