Road 115 km by car from the city of Madrid, Avila has a priceless heritage where Romanesque and Gothic styles merge. A beautiful city, medieval charm that cannot be lost and you'll want to certainly return.

 

City walls

Dating from the eleventh century and are said to be one of the best preserved in Spain. Although Roman remains may have to say they are Roman observance, reminiscent of the Gothic and Renaissance in the doors. About 2.5 miles long, which can be explored on foot observing in its route 88 towers, 6 doors, 3 wickets, added palaces, the apse of the cathedral and belfry crowned humble stork nests.

The Cathedral 

Begun in the twelfth century Romanesque end and continued in early Gothic style early period. Its exterior is reminiscent of a fortress, with little religious reference, inserted in the wall itself. The main entrance is rather poor having more interest or the North Gate of the Apostles, the thirteenth century. Inside the robustness constructive, the altarpiece of the main chapel with paintings by Berruguete and Juan de Bourgogne. And behind the high altar the famous tomb of El Tostado, Bishop of Avila, alabaster. There is a museum with works of gold and some paintings, including one of El Greco.

 

San Vicente

Beautiful pink stone basilica built between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries on the site where tradition fixes the martyrdom of three brothers in the fourth century. Outside you appreciate Gothic and Romanesque elements, highlighting the main entrance, maybe work Fruchel who began work on the cathedral. The interior is beautiful, with three ships that you can see the beginning Romanesque and Gothic completion. Noteworthy is the tomb of the martyrs St. Vincent and his two sisters, the twelfth century and with beautiful reliefs.

Santa Teresa Abbey

Built basically the seventeenth century on the same site where the saint was born. The church is baroque features, and its interior contains works of Gregorio Fernández. Under the same church is a museum dedicated to Santa Teresa, showing different aspects of the life of this and of his own congregation he founded.

Santo Tomás Cloister

XV century building where the Catholic Monarchs resided temporarily. It was built in a short time, just a decade, and has the dubious honor of having hosted the Inquisition in its darkest days. It has several cloisters, church, broad nave and convent buildings and palatial. Among the items of interest is the high altar, with works of Berruguete, the stalls of walnut, and the tomb of Prince Don Juan, marble, because Domenico Fancelli, and where the remains of the son of the Catholic Monarchs.