I’d seen the walls from the highway on the way to Madrid – like something out of a period piece, the red roofs of the historic center spill down from a shallow hill, corralled by more than 80 stone towers. In this city of stones and saints, it’s what puts Ávila on the map.
On a recent trip to visit the city I studied abroad in, I detoured towards Ávila, a small provincial capital nuzzled up to Madrid. This meant backroads past crumbling castles, farmland and hamlets that are but a blip on a little-traversed highway.
Sigh. I love Castilla y León.
Ávila is a city of stone churches, small plazas and the birthplace of Saint Theresa the Mystic and Saint John of the Cross, founders of the Descalced Carmelites, though the imposing muralla is what I came for (I did light a candle for my abuela at the Church of Saint Theresa while de paso, though).
Construction began under Alfonso VI at the end of the 11th Century, and nearly a millennia later, the entire city was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage City, one of thirteen in Spain.
More than one kilometer of the city walls can be visited – the short tramo from the Puerta del Alcázar around the plaza and to the cathedral, and from Puerta de las Carnicerías around the western side of the old city to Puerta del Puente, at the lowest point of the city. You can also exit at Puerta del Carmen, right next to the Parador de Turismo. One ticket is valid for the entrances at Puerta del Alcázar and Puerta de las Carnicerías.
Leave 90 minutes or so to visit the walls, and don’t miss the numerous Romanesque and Gothic churches within them. Also of note is the museum, convent and church dedicated to Saint Theresa (or the yolk pastries bearing her name).
If you go: The walls are open daily from 10am, with guided tours available. Tuesdays from 2 to 4pm free. If you have a Carnet Joven, show it with a photo ID for a discounted ticket. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, as some parts of the walls are hazardous. Regular admission is 5€, reduced 3.50€. If you want a great photo, walk or drive to Los Cuatro Postes, just across the Adaja River.
If you like walks and hikes and old things, you’ll enjoy: The Dubrovnik City Walls | Climbing Teide, Spain’s highest point | Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Have you been to Ávila? More importantly, have you tried ternera de Ávila?!
I was just in Ávila too! Walking the walls is such a fun way to see the city and the surrounding landscapes. Yay Castilla y León!
Did you try the yemas? They are sooo sweet, but I really liked them.
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I brought some yemas back for my staff – they liked them more than I did!
I would like to visit Avila. I’ve been meaning to go last year but I didn’t have time. I think the whole region of Castilla y Leon is breathtakingly beautiful. I cannot wait to visit Avila more so, from photos of the cathedral and the city. Thanks.
Bridgette recently posted..From Language Assistant to English Teacher
I agree, Bridgette. I didn’t know anything about the region when I went to study there, and I think I missed out on a lot! Hope you make it there soon.
Oooooooh can’t wait to visit Ávila in January; this post just makes me more excited! I love how warmly-colored the stones in the city walls are.
Trevor Huxham recently posted..Culture Shock in Spain: It’s the Little Things
It’s a really lovely town, though not one of my favorites in terms of charm, sadly!
Loving your pictures! The Muralla was by far my favorite part of Ávila. I wish I had allowed more time to walk it! I was only up there for maybe half an hour, and it felt all too rushed. The views were spectacular! And I loved feeling as if I were atop a castle, or something similarly romantic and fairytale-esque 🙂
Courtney recently posted..Medieval Charm in Ávila
Absolutely beautiful! Ávila is now on my list of places to visit in Spain. I love castles, so I have lots of exploring to do here in Spain. Good thing I’m planning on staying for another year 🙂
Mike of Mapless Mike recently posted..A Weekend on the Spanish-French Border
GAH so much to see here!
I love to go to Avila and made alot of researches on line about this city, thanks for your update infos , can’t wait to see this beautiful place
Wow, this is so well preserved and stunning, I would love to do a walk around the ramparts. It looks perfect for taking pictures of the inside and outside from the walls.
noel recently posted..A first impression of Athens, Greece – Travel Photo Mondays
It’s truly beautiful, and especially inviting for anyone looking to take photos. Spain is an incredibly photogenic country!
Ooh, I love old castles, especially those that are up little-used country roads. I must put Avila on my list!
Larissa recently posted..Hidden remnants of the Cold War in Berlin
A worthwhile detour, and there are loads of other castles and villages nearby!
Gorgeous! i have long, long, LONG wanted to visit Avila. You’ve just racheted up the desire!
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I’d been wanting to go for years and am so glad I went out of my way! Just wish it weren’t so darn cold (though I did let myself have a glass of wine to warm up before wandering!). It’s a rather easy day trip from Madrid, so you can make it happen!
These walls are straight out of a fairytale! The imagination soars.
Lillie recently posted..Why Was the White House Conference Mostly White?
Worth the extra kms!
Amazing photos, Cat. This is probably the region we know least in Spain. Thanks for enlightening us.
Gran Canaria Local recently posted..Restaurante Tehran
You should get to know it – it’s magical!
Great photos. I love the different perspectives on the walls and how you used the arch to frame the church.
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..HONDURAS: Macaw Mountain, the Park Of Living Jewels
I’ve been debating whether or not Ávila is worth the trip, but your photos have tipped the scales in its favor! It looks gorgeous! Can’t wait to go explore it.
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I shall consider that a compliment! It’s gorgeous, though I could have done without the yemas!
Great photos! I think this area of Spain is much more attractive than it normally appears in the guides!
Regards!
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