Avila

Avila is in the Castile and Leon region of Spain. At over 1000m above sea-level it is the highest provincial capital in Spain.

Avila is famous for its medieval walls. They are arguably the best in Europe. The 11th century walls are two kilometres long, have 88 turrets and are perfectly preserved. 

The town is also famous as the home of Saint Teresa.

Visit Avila

The main sight of Avila is of course its immense medieval wall. To get the best view go to Los Cuatro Postes (the four posts) on the Salamanca road. The walls were built in 1090 when Alfonso VI captured the city from the Moors. The Moors were then used as forced labour to build them which took 9 years. The walls are beautifully illuminated at night.

There are nine gateways through the walls, the most impressive are St Vincent's gate and the Alcazar gate.

Medieval Walls of Avila

 The Cathedral of Avila is built into the city walls. The cathedral has never been finished - there is still a tower missing. The oldest parts served as fortress and church. Inside the cathedral are Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance details.

The Monastery of Saint Thomas is a little distance from the centre but is one of the most attractive sights in Avila. It has three cloisters .

Saint Thomas Monastery

The Basilica de San Vincente is another attractive church in Avila. It is built on the site where St Vincent was tortured and executed. Legend has it that a rich Jew who was mocking St Vincent after his death was almost suffocated to death by a serpent. He repented, converted to Christianity and built the church on the same site.

There is a convent and a monastery dedicated to Saint Teresa. The Convento de Santa Teresa was built on the site of her home and she lived in the Monasterio de la Encarnacion for 20 years.

Museums in Avila

There is a small provincial museum, the Museo Provincal, which is housed in the 16th century Palacio de los Deanes.

Places to visit near Avila

Los Cuatro Postes (the four posts). This is the spot where Saint Theresa was caught by her uncle when she tried to run away. A small monument with four columns is dedicated to her and the views from here - particularly over the walls of Avila- are very good.

The Sierre de Gredos, a beautiful mountain range,  is close to Avila.