Chapel of San Ildefonso

The Capilla de San Ildefonso (Chapel of San Ildefonso) is the oldest surviving part of the University. Its limestone façade probably dates from the middle of the 16th century. We know that it belonged to the former Colegio Trilingüe (Trilingual College) and that after its demolition it was “transformed into a church”. The chapel is characterized by its beautiful and slender bell gable, with a spectacular silhouette, often nested by storks.

Inside is the church, a one-nave, hall-like structure designed by the architect Pedro Gumiel between 1510 and 1516. The aesthetic combination of Mudejar coffered ceilings contrasts with the plasterwork of the walls. The presbytery is covered by an octagonal polychrome wooden coffered ceiling. Above the plasterwork there is a frieze of mural paintings with interlaced arches and the Franciscan cord running along the walls. In the presbytery is the mausoleum of Cardinal Cisneros, an excellent example of Renaissance funerary sculpture in Spain. It was designed by Doménico Fancelli and carved in Carrara marble by Bartolomé Ordoñez and his pupils in 1521. The figures in the corners, representing the four Fathers of the Church, are of exquisite classicism, along with the reclining figure of Cisneros.

Text in Spanish by Vicente Sánchez Moltó, from the Alcalá World Heritage Guide.