If you are planning a trip to Spain, you shouldn't miss this little medieval pearl: Avila, exactly between Salamanca and Madrid. Have a good trip and happy reading!
Avila, a Spanish city, provincial capital of the Castile and León region, is located in a rocky area on the right bank of the Adaja river and is the highest capital in Spain. It is located exactly halfway between Salamanca and Madrid.
Here are the five stops you can't miss during your stay in Avila:
1. Along the walls of Avila
The city is surrounded by medieval walls that make the panorama fascinating; the historic center boasts a thousand-year history that has seen the settlement of different cultures.
The walls are also, since 1985, on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
Avila is important from the religious point of view: it was the birthplace of Teresa of Avila, a Spanish religious and mystic.
Along the walls there are seven imposing gates, the most beautiful and majestic is that of San Vincenzo (Puerta de San Vicente) where the walls reach their maximum height of 15 meters.
2. The historic center of Avila
In the historic center there is the Cathedral: the oldest Gothic cathedral in Spain, while a few minutes walk away is the Basilica of San Vincenzo (Basilica de San Vicente), an ancient Roman temple characterized by a fusion of different styles.
Other places of religious interest are: the Convent of Santa Teresa, Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas and Convento de la Incarnacion, always located in the historic center.
3. The oldest square in the city
In the heart of Avila is located Plaza Mayor (the oldest square in the city), better known as “Plaza del mercado Chico” since in ancient times it was the market square and only later became the town hall. This is therefore the center of city life.
4. Discovering the history of Avila
Also in the city center, you can visit the Avila Museum to learn more about its history and admire a rich artistic collection for the price of 1 euro.
Barrio Judio is a charming and ancient area of the city, full of personality and is perfect for stroll and learn more about the history of the city.
The most evocative place is just outside the walls on the road to Segovia; it is a lookout point called Los Cuatros Postes which offers an unforgettable view of Avila. It takes its name from the religious monument located there, consisting of four Doric columns on which lintels rest.
5. Iruelas Valley Reserve
If you have time and love nature, then you can't miss the Iruelas Valley nature reserve, 45 minutes from the center of Avila: one of the few black vulture breeding areas in Europe.
It has several really interesting trekking routes and is not very popular, so it is not uncommon to see deer, wild boars and squirrels.
Avila boasts an infinite variety of restaurants, from the cheapest places to the starry and most exclusive ones. Many restaurants are located in the city center, in the main streets near Plaza Myor.
Another curiosity about this small, charming city:
It is also known as the City of Saints and stones, in fact, it boasts more churches and cathedrals per square meter than any other place in Spain.
It is an enchanting town with a historical flavor; certainly one of the essential travel stops in Spain.
