Bench of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza in Alcalá de Henares

The Bench of Don Quijote and Sancho Panza is a bronze sculpture group standing on Calle Mayor in Alcalá de Henares, a town on the eastern outskirts of Madrid and the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. The monument shows the novel's two protagonists sitting together on a bench, caught in an easy, friendly conversation — it's one of the most photographed sights in the city, alongside the statue of Cervantes on Plaza de Cervantes.

What does the monument show?

The composition depicts Don Quijote and Sancho Panza at life size, seated side by side on a stone bench set along the pavement. The piece was created by Spanish sculptor Pedro Requejo Novoa and cast in bronze, visible in the characteristic patina covering both figures. The bench is designed so passers-by can sit down between the two characters and take a photo with them, which is why it has become a fixed stop on the city's tourist route.

Where exactly is the bench?

The figures stand on Calle Mayor, the main and oldest street of Alcalá de Henares's historic centre, known for its covered arcades running along both sides. The bench sits close to the Casa Natal de Cervantes, the house where the author of "Don Quixote" is traditionally said to have been born, making the spot a natural stop on any route following Cervantes's footsteps through the city.

When and why was it built?

The monument was unveiled on 24 April 2005, as part of the celebrations marking the fourth centenary of the publication of the first part of "Don Quixote" (1605–2005). The anniversary carried particular weight in Alcalá de Henares, which considers itself the symbolic capital of Cervantes's heritage — hence the decision to place a sculpture of the author's two most recognisable characters right in the heart of the city.

How do you get there?

Alcalá de Henares lies about 35 km from central Madrid and is well connected by rail — trains from Madrid (Atocha or Chamartín stations) reach the town in roughly 30-40 minutes. From the train station it's a relaxed walk of about fifteen minutes through the old town to reach Calle Mayor and the historic centre. The centre itself is largely pedestrian, so once there it's easy to add the bench to a walking route that also covers the cathedral, the university and the Casa Natal de Cervantes.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Calle Mayor is one of the longest medieval arcaded streets in Europe, so the walk along it is an attraction in its own right. Nearby highlights include Plaza de Cervantes with its statue of the writer, the Complutense University (one of the oldest in Spain) and Alcalá de Henares's co-cathedral. It's worth setting aside a longer visit to see all of these in a single day.

When is the best time to visit?

The monument is accessible year-round, free of charge and with no opening hours, since it stands on an open street. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and photos, with moderate temperatures and fewer crowds on the street than in the height of summer.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No — the monument stands on a public street and can be visited at any time, without a ticket.

Who created the sculpture? Sculptor Pedro Requejo Novoa, who cast the bronze group unveiled in 2005.

Can visitors sit on the bench with the figures? Yes, the bench is designed so tourists can sit between the two characters for a souvenir photo.

How long does it take to get there from Madrid? The train from Madrid to Alcalá de Henares takes about 30-40 minutes, and it's roughly a fifteen-minute walk from the station to Calle Mayor.