Plan a trip to Avila

Avila is the capital city of the Spanish province of Avila located in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. Sitting at an altitude of over 3700 feet above sea level, the city is surrounded by an intact, fully preserved Romanesque medieval wall, earning it the distinction of being “the finest medieval remnant in Spain.” It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. 

According to legend, Avila was founded by one of Hercules’ sons and was inhabited by Iberian tribes followed by the Celts, the Romans, the Muslims, and, from the 11th century, by the Christians.

In the following centuries, “Avila of the Knights” (as it was called) became an important commercial center. It was home to several well-known historical events: it is the city where the priest, Tomás de Torquemada, head of the Inquisition, ended his life and where Saint Teresa, the ascetic mystic from the 16th century and one of the greatest in the history of the Catholic Church, began her mystical journey. She led a difficult campaign for reforms in the Carmelite order in the city and left her mark on the entire city. She founded 17 monasteries and was declared a saint in 1622. The city has since been known as "Avila of Saint Teresa."

The preservation of Avila’s old city and of its walls in particular is exceptional. The 11th century walls are still standing in their entirety, with a total length of 1.5 miles and a height of nearly 33 feet. The wall has 9 gates and over 80 semicircular guard towers, including the El Alcazar, and a stroll along the walkable sections of the wall offers a spectacular view of the city. Don’t miss the sight of the illuminated walls at night! For additional great city views, visit the four observation posts, known as Cuatro Postes, in the northwest part of the city.

The Cathedral del Salvador de Avila, whose construction began in the late 11th century, is built of granite and was used for both prayer and defense. The eastern wing was part of the city's fortification system, and it is considered the first Gothic cathedral in Spain.

The spectacular Romanesque Basilica de San Vicente from the 11th-14th centuries is lavishly decorated with sculpture and intricate carvings on the columns and walls.

The Monastery of Saint Thomas El Monasterio de Santo Tomas is a combination of a monastery and an official royal residence built by the Catholic kings. It includes 3 interconnected inner courtyards and a church.

The Great Market Square Park, named Santa Teresa Square Park, is the center of Avila and the venue for public fairs and celebrations.

With all its history and architecture, Avila is also renowned for its superb food. Be sure not to leave Avila without sampling the tapas! There are many excellent restaurants in the city, and a serving of tapas, coupled with local wine or beer, provides a perfect rest stop.