About
Ávila is a city in Castile and León, in central Spain, set high on a plateau with mountains rising behind it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is known above all for its medieval walls, which are often described as the best preserved in Europe. For a visitor, the city is less a list of sights than a single walled place to walk through and look out from.
The walls and the city within
The walls encircle the old town and give Ávila its character. Walking the circuit, you move between stone towers, gates and long stretches of rampart, with the city on one side and open country on the other. Inside the walls the streets are compact and quiet, lined with churches and old stone houses, so it is easy to spend a relaxed day moving from one part of the town to the next.
Santa Teresa and the mountain setting
Ávila was the birthplace of Santa Teresa, and her connection to the city runs through its churches and streets. Visitors interested in her life will find the town a natural place to learn about it. The surrounding mountains give the city a striking backdrop, especially when seen from the walls or from the land beyond them.
- Best for: a walking visit focused on the walls and the old town
- Also suits: visitors interested in Santa Teresa and in the city's heritage
- Setting: a high plateau with mountains in view
Ávila works well as a day trip or as a short stay. Plan time to walk the walls slowly, and allow an unhurried afternoon inside them to take in the churches and the views.