Top Things to do in Avila
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Avila, Spain
Discover the best top things to do in Avila, Spain including The Walls of Avila, Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas, Basilica de San Vicente, The Four Posts, Cathedral of Avila, Church of San Pedro, Casco Historico de Avila, Convento de Santa Teresa, Museo del Convento de la Encarnacion, Palacio Caprotti.
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1. The Walls of Avila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By K_Rabenstein - Hastings, England, United Kingdom
The stout crenellated walls were built from 1090 onwards and have been restored several times over the centuries. With a total length of 2.5 kilometres, 88 towers and six gates, the Panorama is tremendous. Even the rear end of the Cathedral was incorporated as a major defensive bastion ... no wonder it (along with the extramural churches) has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. About half the length of the walls is accessible to walk along, giving great views over both the countryside and the intramural medieval town. Unmitigated exposure to cold wind in the winter and blistering sun in the summer means you'd better get your clothing right!
2. Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By KrisD_pl - Warsaw, Poland
Just pass the big square named Santa Teresa de Jesus, then small Plaza Ejercito and take Paseo Santo Tomas - straight way down to the monastery. Not located in the closest neighbourhood of the old town, this place does not attract so many tourist. But it's very interesting so try to put it on your Avila itenerary.
This Dominican monastery was built in 15th century. Interestingly, Reyes Catolicos (or Catholic Monarchs) together with famous inquisitor Torquemada were the patrons of the construction.
The complex itself has three cloisters: the Novices' Cloister, the Cloister of Silence or the Deceased (burial place of monks) with some nice decorations, and the Cloister of the Monarchs - the largest of three and with more ornamentations.
After stroll through the cloisters do not miss the choir - you'll have a good view to the church and close look to the old choir stalls. While down in the church, the main place to visit is the tomb of Prince Juan - second son of the Reyes Catolicos who died at the age of 19.
Apart from religious sites there's also a small but eye-catching collection of oriental memorabilia collected by monks in Asia and uninviting collection of stuffed animals.
Entrance fee is 4 euros and worth the money and time spent on getting there.
3. Basilica de San Vicente
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 692 reviews
Reviewed By jajavalB - Bangkok
This church is very beautiful with gothic arts and at the door columns with sculptures of Jesus and saints. It's former fortress and now tranformed into museum. The highlight is main altar which is glowing gold and painting of Mary and Jesus. It's Romanesque church with exterior view facing the main fortresses providing great picture . Be prepared with cap/ sunglasses/ sunblock / or umbrella during heat of summer time.
4. The Four Posts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
Magnificently austere site to view the spectacular walls of Avila. It was our first glimpse of this majestic UNESCO world heritage site and definitely the best.
I don't know why the Four Posts are there, our guide didn't explain it. But they make for a wonderful vantage point to see the city.
We were there in February and we had the pkace to ourselves. But in summer aid say it's a whole different story! Unmissable really in my opinion if you are visiting Avila
5. Cathedral of Avila
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By NikolaCelic - Dubrovnik, Croatia
City of Avila was for a long time positioned on no man`s land, between Arab and Castillan kingdoms and after Castillan kingdoms finally prevailed in the end of 11th century, city`s area became one huge construction site. Biggest building projects were walls and sacral buildings. Construction of the Cathedral of Avila, dedicated to San Salvador, began in the 1170 by master builder Fruchel, in romanesque style and was finished in 1355 in gothic one. It was built in Latin-cross layout, made up of three naves. Together with Cathedral of Cuenca, it is considered first piece of gothic sacral arhitecture in Spain. Change between the styles in action could be seen inside; the earlier romanesque parts are made of a redish and white stone, while the gothic parts were built with pure white stone and that half of the Cathedral seems more spacious, yet the proportions are exactly the same. Other highlights of the interior include the 13th century sacristy with a star shaped cupola, treasury with a huge silver monstrance and ancient religious icons and recently discovered hidden passage door (0.70m in height) which were leading somewhere to alcazar area of Old city.
Perhaps most famous part of Cathedral is „Cimorro“ – apse designed like a fortress, with battlements and sentry walks and integrated in the city walls. And that`s not just for tough apperance, in mid 12th century, Bishop Sancho of Avila protected the young Alfonso IX from other pretendents on Castillan throne until he became king. Other interesting outside feature is main facade, which remains unfinished because the south tower was never built and monumental cloister with 28 large window portals with three oculi, in gothic style. Entrance fee for exploring this old building is 5 €
6. Church of San Pedro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 173 reviews
Reviewed By HillerAbroad - Seattle, Washington
The Church of San Pedro is small but interesting. I think it's worth a quick visit. It's also cool inside which if much appreciated on a hot summer day!
7. Casco Historico de Avila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Dublin, Ireland
Avila is absolutely wonderful and we really loved the half day we spent there. Make sure to stop at the Four Posts lookput point either on your way or as you leave for the very best views of this magnificent UNESCO world heritage site with it's stunning walls and cathedrals.
San Vicente Basilica just outside the walls was my favourite. The walls themselves are astonishingly well preserved and the Cathedral is stunning. The Cathedral dedicated to SaintvTeresa D'Avila is beautiful too as is the square outside it. Her relics can be visited there too including her right ring finger, clothing and personal effects.
Wander the winding streets and just let yourself get lost. The walls will keeo you from going far wrong! Plaza Mayor is lovely too and makes for a good orientation point in the town centre.
A really wonderful place, well deserving of its reputation!
8. Convento de Santa Teresa
Overall Ratings
4 based on 448 reviews
Reviewed By Noraatc - Sudbury, Massachusetts
We stumbled upon the Plaza de la Santa walking back to the Cathedral from the Walls Walk and I just took a brief glance at the Santa Teresa church interior which I did not find interesting. This place means a lot for those who are truly religious, but for folks like us it was not a must visit.
9. Museo del Convento de la Encarnacion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Jason P - Aviles, Spain
I enjoyed visiting the Encarnación more than the other sites related to Sta Teresa in Avila. Long may it remain what it is: a quiet place without pretensions that allows you to come closer to the great writer and mystic. There is a curious museum on the upper floor with fascinating objects and artefacts that all tell their own stories. The single information sheet gives just enough information without overdoing it.
10. Palacio Caprotti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
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