The city wall of Avila in Castile-Leon is the landmark of the city. The completely preserved wall is 2500 m long, 12 m high and has 2,500 merlons, 88 towers, and 9 city gates. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, it served as a protection from attackers, as well as control of the movement of goods and defense against epidemics.
The city of Avila had its best time in the 16th century when the textile industry flourished. At that time, one built many Renaissance palaces that characterize the cityscape. Today the cultural and historical heritage of the city is unique. The cultural and town historical inheritance determines its uniqueness today.
In 1884, the city walls of Avila were registered as National Monument. Since 1985, they belong to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.
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More Information(Music: Milonga de Gerardo, Las abuelas by Juan Hedo – La Plaza del 2 de Mayo)
Due to its altitude of over 1100 m of height Avila is a popular tourist destination in the midsummer, but the Christmas week is the most important tourist season.
Two important personalities put their stamp on Avila. Isabella the Catholic (Isabella I of Castile), who conceived the Inquisition here, and Teresa of Avila, who reformed the order of the Carmelites and founded numerous monasteries.
Walk on the city walls of Avila
A walk on the city walls is a must for any visitor of Avila. There are 3 entrances. Two in the east and one in the west. We first choose one of the two in the east. It allows us to explore a part of the southern wall.
The entrance is right next to Calle Don Geronimo. At the square inside the wall, you find the building with the Ministerio De Economia Y Hacienda, that also houses the Cadastral Office (Gerencia Territorial del Catastro de Avila).
On the other side of the wall, you have a nice view of the monastery Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol and the square in front of it, Plaza de Santa Teresa de Jesus.
Once you reach the southern part of the wall, the eye is drawn to the Iglesia de Santiago.
We turn around and walk a little further along the east wall towards the cathedral. But soon the way ends.
We leave the wall on the same path that we have come, to climb up again at the Tourist Office (Oficina de Turismo) next to the Puerta del Alcazar.
Upon crossing a gate the view opens downwards. Back then, enemies could be attacked with stones or arrows through the openings in the gateway.
Here we just become aware of the height of 12 m. Both the builders of this monumental building and the defenders had to have great courage and a good head for heights.
One has a beautiful view of the Basilica San Vicente, lying outside the walls. According to legend, the martyrs Vicente, Sabina, and Cristeta were executed here during the rule of Diocletian.
The basilica, completed in the 14th century, is considered to be the best example of Roman architecture in Spain.
The Monasterio de La Encarnación is also clear to see. Santa Teresa of Jesus entered this Carmelite nunnery in 1535 and later became a prioress.
The generous construction of the Congress Center (Centro de Exposiciones and Congresos) forms a contrast to the narrow medieval development within the city walls, only overlooked by the Basilica.
The mighty building of the Catholic University (Universidad Católica de Ávila) rises in the background.
In the background to the left, the nice stone railway arch bridge spans the reservoir of Fuentes Claras.
West of the city, a curved pedestrians wood arch bridge leads to the viewpoint Cuatro Postes. From there, one has the most beautiful panorama view from there on the town and the city wall.
The river Adaja forms an extensive biotope here, the basis for the innumerable swallows and storks in the town. We can watch the virtuoso flight of the swallows and the elegant gliding of the storks again and again.
Opening hours
1 April to 16 October, from Tuesday to Sunday: From 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
17 October to 30 March, from Tuesday to Sunday: From 11:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Closed on Mondays.
Please read on > Viewpoint Cuatro Postes
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