Summary
The World Heritage city of Ávila is renowned for its impressive medieval walls, which encircle the ancient city with a remarkable fortified ring.
When viewed from a point to the west, Ávila appears reminiscent of a tale from a storybook or a fantasy film.
This enchanting appearance stems from the city’s development after this region of Spain was re-conquered from the Moors, establishing Ávila as a fortress against the Caliphate to the south.
For several centuries, the city thrived, reaching its pinnacle during Spain’s 16th-century Golden Age, coinciding with the burial of Torquemada in this very place.
Moreover, pilgrims are drawn to Ávila due to its association with Saint Teresa, the patron saint of various causes, ranging from headaches to chess!
Here are the top attractions in Ávila:
1. The Walls
The UNESCO-listed walls of Ávila are regarded as some of the finest city fortifications globally.
These walls have a perimeter of 2.5 kilometers and maintain a thickness of at least three meters.
The gates (11), turrets (97), and merlons (2,500) date back to the 1100s and 1200s, forming part of a sophisticated defense mechanism for the city.
Within the walls, the palatial structures of Ávila were also fortified to withstand possible assaults should the outer defenses be compromised.
The eastern section, which was the most susceptible to attacks, is the most ancient and fortified area, identifiable by the large stones sourced from a former Roman necropolis.
2. Los Cuatro Postes
This site serves as a pilgrimage destination located west of the city, although its origins remain uncertain.
According to one account, it was selected following the plague that swept through the city in the 12th century.
The townspeople journeyed here to express gratitude for their survival; however, in their absence, the city was invaded by Arabs and subsequently overrun by military irregulars.
Once the situation was stabilized, they continued the pilgrimage to ensure these events would be commemorated.
In another account, Saint Teresa was halted here by her uncle while attempting to travel south to disseminate the Christian message among Muslims.
Regardless of the narrative, the stroll across the Adaja bridge and the panoramic views of the city walls from this monument are truly unforgettable.
3. Basilica de San Vicente
This structure represents one of the most remarkable examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain.
Similar to many medieval edifices, the basilica features striking granite walls with a distinctive texture, created by a mix of lighter and darker stones.
Construction commenced in the 1100s and concluded by the 1300s.
This site marks the location of the Roman martyrdom of three Christians, Vicente, Sabina, and Cristeta, after they resisted offering sacrifices to pagan deities.
The crypt houses the stones on which their bodies were originally discarded, and the church is adorned from the pulpit to the organ and to the martyrs’ cenotaph with extraordinary artistic wonders that will captivate visitors for extended periods.
4. Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas
Commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs Isabella I and Ferdinand II, this monastery, now a Spanish National Monument, was established at the close of the 15th century.
It serves as the final resting place of their only son, Don Juan, who passed away at the young age of nineteen.
Noteworthy within are his intricately carved alabaster tomb and that of the infamous Grand Inquisitor, Torquemada.
The church’s main nave is spectacular, featuring three distinct cloisters: one for deceased monks, another for the monarchs, and a third designated for the novices of the monastery.
5. Convento de Santa Teresa
This convent, dedicated to Ávila’s most renowned saint and constructed atop her former residence, possesses several unique characteristics.
Notably, it faces north rather than the more customary east.
This distinction arises from the architect’s intention to position the church’s altar precisely where Saint Teresa’s room once existed, necessitating the adjustment of the complex’s layout around it.
Within the remarkable vaulted crypt, the only one of its kind in Spain, a museum dedicated to Saint Teresa allows visitors to deepen their understanding of this significant figure in Ávila’s heritage.
6. Churches, Chapels and More
Should your interest in religious history remain unsatisfied, you will be pleased to discover that you have barely scratched the surface of Ávila’s extensive array of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque churches, chapels, monasteries, and convents.
These structures not only serve as solemn reflections of history but also provide an atmospheric backdrop for enchanting strolls through the city’s granite stone streets.
Among the notable “extra-muros” Romanesque churches are San Andrés, San Vicente, San Pedro, and San Segundo, which were part of the suburbs of the city at the time of their construction.
7. Palacio de los Verdugo
Pay attention to a sculpture located outside the left tower of this 16th-century edifice.
Over 2,000 years old, it depicts a boar, crafted by the Vetons, a pre-Roman Celtic society that inhabited much of present-day Castile-León.
The palace’s somewhat austere appearance and fortified towers suggest a defensive purpose during times of siege.
The most picturesque aspect of the building is the courtyard, adorned with arcades and coffered ceilings beneath the stairway.
8. Museo de Ávila
To gain insights into Ávila’s evolution into one of Spain’s significant historical cities, as well as to understand the everyday lives of its inhabitants during the Golden Age, a visit to this museum is essential.
The museum showcases exhibits ranging from folk attire and household antiques to agricultural tools, alongside installations highlighting artisanal crafts through the ages, including basket weaving and wool production.
Additionally, a particularly intriguing exhibit features a Muslim crematory kiln, from a time when cremation was permissible in the Caliphate of Córdoba.
9. Sephardic Garden
While Ávila was under Moorish dominion, Christians, Jews, and Muslims coexisted in relative harmony.
However, locating remnants of Spain’s significant Jewish population becomes increasingly challenging following their expulsion in the 1490s.
The Sephardic Garden (Jardín de Sefarad) occupies the site of Ávila’s Jewish cemetery, presenting an open area intended as a memorial, and offers views of the adjacent city walls.
At the heart of the garden lies a mound where the remains discovered in disturbed graves were ceremonially interred.
10. Gredos Mountains
After absorbing the cultural richness found within Ávila’s historic sites, you may yearn for a more primal beauty.
The Gredos Mountains, rising dramatically to the south of the city, offer a splendid escape.
Unless you are an adventurous climber, there is no need to conquer peaks that reach elevations of 2,500 meters; the lower slopes are adorned with birch, oak, and chestnut forests, and information about the walking trails within the natural park is available at Ávila’s tourist office.
11. Hearty Cuisine
The culinary offerings in this region of inland Spain are characterized by simplicity and heartiness.
With the harshness of winter, particularly in the mountainous areas, there is a strong emphasis on protein-based dishes.
The chuletón de Ávila, a veal steak from the Avileña-Negra breed, charcoal-grilled and accompanied solely by French fries and a touch of mustard, epitomizes this culinary simplicity.
During winter months, stews featuring local judías del barco, robust haricot beans, are also popular.
For those with a sweet tooth, yemas de Santa Teresa will likely appeal; these are small cakes crafted from egg yolks and sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar.
12. Segovia
For a delightful day trip, the stunning city of Segovia is conveniently located just an hour to the east.
Make your way directly to the city’s UNESCO-listed aqueduct, which ranks among the most renowned Roman edifices in Spain, proudly situated in the city’s heart.
This remarkable 2,000-year-old structure continues to channel water and reaches an impressive height of 29 meters.
Explore the Alcázar, an Arab fortress that evolved into a fairytale royal palace, which showcases the residences of several Castilian monarchs.
13. Medieval Fair
During the first weekend of September, Ávila celebrates its heritage by hosting one of Spain’s largest medieval fairs.
The entire city embraces the theme, transforming the historic center into a lively scene filled with damsels, monks, knights, pages, and nobility.
At the market, visitors can browse products traded in the region for over a millennium, including cheeses, incense, and wild herbs.
Additionally, unique stalls, featuring haima tents from Berber nomads, add an exotic flair to the fair.
Children will undoubtedly enjoy the horseback demonstrations, puppet shows, and jugglers that enliven the festivities.
14. Madrid
The proximity of Madrid makes it an optimal destination for a day trip from Ávila.
This cultural hub is a paradise for art enthusiasts, featuring not just one, but three globally esteemed museums, where masterpieces from Goya and Picasso’s Guernica await discovery.
The vibrant Gran Vía serves as the city’s entertainment district, boasting nightclubs, theaters, and cinemas, while the Royal Palace stands as the lavish residence of the royal family, filled with an extensive collection of precious art and artifacts.
15. Semana Santa
During Holy Week, processions take place in towns and cities throughout Spain, yet only a select few have been designated with the title of International Touristic Interest.
Ávila is one such city, recognized for hosting one of the most impressive Semana Santa celebrations in Castilla y León.
This reputation is largely attributed to the city’s stunning architecture, with its towers and walls providing a solemn backdrop for this candlelight tradition.
On Good Friday, 15 brotherhoods and 14 sororities process through Ávila, each identifiable by unique livery and the grand sculptures they carry on floats.
