The hostera-a (restaurant) is located in the colegio menor de san jeronimo, founded in 1510 by cardinal cisneros. the university brought prestige to the town in which, among others, lived cervantes, lope de vega & quevedo. important monuments are witness to the historical value of alcala, whose proximity to madrid makes it a must to visit. the decoration of the restaurant & of the living rooms is based on wooden beams & on traditional period furniture. its castilian cooking offers excellent garlic soups, stews, succulent roasts & 'costrada', an almond & puff-pastry dessert from alcala.