Ávila
Northwest of Madrid lies the city of Ávila. Its medieval walls are the best preserved ones in Spain. They date from 1090, and today are 2,5 km. long with 88 towers and 6 gates.
Ávila is the Spanish provincial capital situated at the highest altitude, and on this vantage ppoint 1130 metres above sea level its medieval scenes remain in enviable health: churches and convents bred in the Romanesque period, and the Renaissance palaces and mansions of the Castillian nobility.
Walled cities . Cathedrals . WHS Hotspot .
Visit December 2002
 |
When I visited Ávila in December, it was freezing cold. I wished I had brought my mittens! The town is situated 1130 meters above sea level, hence the climate.
The no.1 thing to see and do here is to walk on the city walls. From here you have the most beautiful views of the medieval town.
Reviews
Philip T.K. (Canada):
 While its religious monuments are worthwhile sights, the main attraction in Avila are the walls that surround this city. My dad and I arrived from Segovia (see my review) quite late in the afternoon so I did not have time to see too much. Besides the magnificant walls, we managed to visit the interior of the San Vicente Basilica (under restoration but cheap admission and even comes with a free postcard) and the local cathedral (also under restoration but contains beautiful tombs). While walking on the walls was pleasant and a great way to see the surroundings, I have to concur with Frederik Dawson that the walls look a lot better from the ground. Avila's walls, along with their numerous churches, make this place a great WHS and one definitely worth visiting. |
| |
Frederik Dawson (Netherlands):
 From all six world heritage sites near Madrid, Avila is my favorite site better than Toledo or Segovia in my opinion. Situated on high hills northwest of Madrid, Avila is well known for its cool climate and the holy story of Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa did not make Avila to be a pilgrimage place, that put this town on travelers map, liked Santiago de Compostela, but its city wall is the reason that put Avila on the top list of every tourist’s mind. Avila’s medieval wall is considered as one of the best preserved city wall in Europe, and maybe one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.
Walking around the old town to see the wall is just great activity for me especially on the eastern side. The wall is really picturesque and contains some element of mystery of medieval age that made this place so charming. I do not recommend you to walk on the wall as the feelings are so different and I personally preferred to walk on the ground which I think this way is better to make you appreciate this place. I have to say I really enjoyed the wall and seem to ignore another part of world heritage – the extramuros churches. But if you come to Avila, your eyes will directly gaze to the wall not the churches which are just next to the wall liked me. However, the churches are really nice and deservedly to get your time.
Avila is really well connected by train with Madrid and can be combining with the trip to Salamanca. When you are in Avila don’t forget to try its special delicacy – Yemas de Santa Teresa (a sweet made with egg yolks and sugar) a really great plus for the visiting. |
| |
Francesca Moore (USA):
Avila was the most amazing place, but recently they have destroyed so much of the town and it has lost much of its charm. The new building in the Plaza Major is horrid, as is the new Plaza Major. It is very sad. I spent almost every summer of my life there and my mother lives in Avila. Our entire family is very upset at the horrible things they are doing to our once favorite place. |
| |
Have you been to Old Town of Avila with its Extra-Muros Churches? Share your experiences!
Add your own review
