Ávila: The Complete Guide
Ávila is a city of Spain located in the autonomous community of Castile and León. It is the capital and most populated municipality of the Province of Ávila. Ávila will always be associated with the image of its city walls. Visible from far away, they are among the best-preserved and most complete in Europe. They protect a medieval World Heritage City of cobbled streets, interesting churches, delicious local cuisine, and a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.
It lies on the right bank of the Adaja river. Located more than 1,130 m above sea level, the city is the highest provincial capital in Spain. Ávila is sometimes called the Town of Stones and Saints, and it claims that it is one of the towns with the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in Spain. Orson Welles once named Ávila as the place in which he would most desire to live, calling it a “strange, tragic place”. Ávila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The site originally consisted of the walled city and four extra muros churches. The number of churches included in the site has since been increased.
History of Ávila
Early History of Ávila
Ávila, located in the autonomous community of Castile and León in Spain, has a history that dates back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by the Vettones, a Celtic people, who built hill forts in the region. Later, it became a part of the Roman Empire, contributing to its development as a fortified settlement.
Ávila in the Middle Ages
During the early Middle Ages, Ávila faced numerous invasions and was largely destroyed by the Visigoths and later by the Moors. In the 11th century, King Alfonso VI of Castile reconquered Ávila from the Moors. This period marked the beginning of significant reconstruction, including the construction of the iconic city walls.
The Construction of Ávila’s City Walls
One of Ávila’s most defining features, the city walls, were constructed in the late 11th century under the direction of Raymond of Burgundy, son-in-law of Alfonso VI. These massive walls, built for defense against Moorish invasions, stretch over 2.5 kilometers and include 88 towers and nine gates, making them one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Europe.
Ávila in the Renaissance Period
The 16th century marked a golden age for Ávila, characterized by economic prosperity and cultural development. The city became a significant religious center, highlighted by the life and works of Saint Teresa of Ávila, a prominent mystic and reformer of the Carmelite Order. Her legacy is deeply intertwined with the city’s history, with several convents and churches dedicated to her.
Ávila in the Modern Era
The centuries following the Renaissance saw Ávila maintaining its religious significance but experiencing economic decline. The city’s isolation and lack of industrial development led to a decrease in population and influence. However, its historical and architectural significance remained intact, attracting scholars and visitors.
Ávila in the 20th Century
The 20th century brought renewed attention to Ávila’s cultural and historical heritage. In 1985, the city’s old town and its city walls were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their exceptional preservation and historical importance. This designation helped boost tourism and revitalized the local economy.
Contemporary Ávila
Today, Ávila is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich historical past with modern amenities. The city continues to celebrate its heritage through various cultural events, festivals, and religious celebrations. Ávila’s historical sites, including the city walls, the Cathedral of Ávila, and the Monastery of Saint Thomas, attract visitors from around the world, making it a significant destination for those interested in Spain’s medieval history and religious heritage.
Visiting Ávila for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Ávila on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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30 Best places to See in Ávila
This complete guide to Ávila not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Ávila and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
San Vicente de Ávila
Location: San Vicente de Ávila, Plaza de San Vicente, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.1km
Visiting San Vicente de Ávila
Casa de Los Deanes (Ávila)
| Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Casa de Los Deanes (Ávila)
Puerta de San Vicente (Ávila)
Location: Puerta de San Vicente, C. de López Núñez, 14, 05001 Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Puerta de San Vicente (Ávila)
Casa de la Misericordia (Ávila)
Location: La Bodeguita de San Segundo, C. de San Segundo, 19, 05001 Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Casa de la Misericordia (Ávila)
Palacio del Rey Niño de Ávila
Location: Oficina de Correos Pl. de la Catedral, 2 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Palacio del Rey Niño de Ávila
Palacio de los Serranos (Ávila)
Location: Palacio Los Serrano Pl. de Italia, 1 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Palacio de los Serranos (Ávila)
Palacio de los Verdugo (Ávila)
Location: Palacio de los Verdugo, Calle de López Núñez, Ávila, Spain | Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10,00 to 14,00 & 17,00 to 20,00.Sunday and public holiday: 10,00 to 14,00 | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Palacio de los Verdugo (Ávila)
Palacio de Sofraga (Ávila)
Location: Palacio de Sofraga, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Palacio de Sofraga (Ávila)
Casa de Carnicerías (Ávila)
Location: Casa de las Carnicerías C. de San Segundo, 17 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Casa de Carnicerías (Ávila)
Casa Carnicerías
Location: Casa de las Carnicerías C. de San Segundo, 17 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Casa Carnicerías
Murallas (Town Walls) of Ávila
Location: Casa de las Carnicerías C. de San Segundo, 17 05001 Ávila Spain | Hours: Winter time From October 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Monday, November 2. Closed Tuesday, November 3. Open Monday, November 9.Summer schedule From July 1 to October 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Open Monday 5 and 12 OctoberAccess is restricted 45 minutes before they close. | Price: General: 5 € Reduced: 3,5 € | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Murallas (Town Walls) of Ávila
Palacio de Bracamonte (Ávila)
Location: Palacio de Bracamonte, Plaza Fuente el Sol, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Palacio de Bracamonte (Ávila)
Palacio de Valderrábanos (Ávila)
Location: Hotel Palacio Valderrábanos, Plaza de la Catedral, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Palacio de Valderrábanos (Ávila)
Los Velada Palace (Ávila)
Location: Hotel Palacio de Los Velada Pl. de la Catedral, 10 05001 Ávila Spain | Website | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Los Velada Palace (Ávila)
Palacio de los Águila (Ávila)
Location: Palacio de los Águila C. de López Núñez, 1 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Palacio de los Águila (Ávila)
Puerta del Alcázar (Ávila)
Location: Puerta del Alcázar C. Don Gerónimo, 17 05001 Ávila Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Puerta del Alcázar (Ávila)
Catedral de Ávila
Location: Catedral de Ávila Pl. de la Catedral, 8 05001 Ávila Spain | Hours: 10am-8pm Mon-Fri, to 9pm Sat, 11.45am-7.30pm Sun Apr-Jun, Sep & Oct, 10am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11.45am-9pm Sun Jul & Aug, 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, to 7pm Sat, to 5.30pm Sun Nov-Mar | Price: incl audio guide €6, bell tower €2 | Website | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Catedral de Ávila
Plaza Mercado Chico
Location: Plaza Mercado Chico Pl. Mercado Chico, 11 05001 Ávila Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Plaza Mercado Chico
Palacio de Benavites (Ávila)
Location: Palacio de Benavites, Calle Marqués de Canales y Chozas, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Palacio de Benavites (Ávila)
Palacio de los Guzmanes (Ávila)
Location: Torreon de los Guzmanes, Plaza Corral de las Campanas, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Palacio de los Guzmanes (Ávila)
Palacio de los Dávila (Ávila)
Visiting Palacio de los Dávila (Ávila)
Church of San Juan Bautista (Ávila)
Location: Church of Saint John Baptist Calle Martín Carramolino, 1 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Church of San Juan Bautista (Ávila)
Palacio de Los Almarza (Ávila)
Location: Siervas De María Ministras De Los Enfermos Provincia De Castilla Curia Provincial C. Madre Soledad, 2 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Palacio de Los Almarza (Ávila)
Palacio de Los Superunda (Ávila)
Location: Palacio de Superunda, Plaza Corral de las Campanas, Ávila, Spain | Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m Free: Tuesdays from 14:00 to 16:00 except public holidays and eve of public holidays. | Price: Individual: 3 €. Reduced: 1,5 € | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Palacio de Los Superunda (Ávila)
Palace of Polentinos (Ávila)
Visiting Palace of Polentinos (Ávila)
Puerta del Carmen (Avila)
Location: Acceso muralla. Puerta del Carmen Pl. Concepción Arenal, 1 05001 Ávila Spain | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Puerta del Carmen (Avila)
Palacio de Núñez Vela (Ávila)
Location: Palacio de D. Blasco Nuñez Vela, Plaza la Santa, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Palacio de Núñez Vela (Ávila)
El Convento de Santa Teresa
Location: Convento de Santa Teresa, Arenas de San Pedro, Ávila, Spain | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting El Convento de Santa Teresa
Puerta de Santa Teresa, Ávila
Visiting Puerta de Santa Teresa, Ávila
Mirador de los Cuatro Postes (Viewpoint of the Four Posts)
Visiting Mirador de los Cuatro Postes (Viewpoint of the Four Posts)
Best Time to Visit Ávila
Visiting Ávila in Spring
Spring, from March to May, is an excellent time to visit Ávila. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This season is ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites, such as the city walls and the Cathedral of Ávila, and enjoying the blossoming flowers and vibrant greenery.
Visiting Ávila in Summer
Summer, from June to August, is the peak tourist season in Ávila. The weather is warm, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. This is a great time to experience local festivals and events, such as the Medieval Market in July. The evenings are perfect for strolling through the old town and enjoying outdoor dining.
Visiting Ávila in Autumn
Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit Ávila. The temperatures are cooler, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), making it comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The autumn colors add a beautiful backdrop to the city’s landscapes, and the tourist crowds from summer have diminished, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Visiting Ávila in Winter
Winter, from December to February, is mild in Ávila, with temperatures averaging between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F). This is the off-peak tourist season, offering a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Winter is a good time to explore indoor attractions such as museums and historic buildings without the crowds. The festive holiday decorations and events add charm to the city during this season.
Average Temperatures in Ávila
- January 9°C 49°F 6
- February 12°C 55°F 6
- March 14°C 58°F 8
- April 20°C 67°F 9
- May 22°C 72°F 6
- June 28°C 83°F 5
- July 33°C 92°F 2
- August 31°C 88°F 2
- September 26°C 79°F 5
- October 21°C 71°F 7
- November 14°C 56°F 8
- December 11°C 53°F 7
How to get to Ávila
By Air to Ávila
The nearest major airport to Ávila is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), located about 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can reach Ávila by rental car, taxi, or by taking a train or bus from Madrid.
By Train to Ávila
Ávila is well-connected by train, with regular services from major Spanish cities. RENFE operates trains from Madrid, which take approximately 1.5 hours. The train station in Ávila is conveniently located close to the city center, making it easy to access local attractions.
By Bus to Ávila
Several bus companies operate routes to Ávila from various cities across Spain. Buses from Madrid to Ávila take around 1.5 to 2 hours. The main bus station in Ávila is centrally located, providing easy access to the city’s attractions.
By Car to Ávila
Driving to Ávila is a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding region. From Madrid, the drive takes about 1.5 hours via the A-6 and AP-51 highways. The city is well-connected by road, making it easy to navigate by car.
By Local Transportation in Ávila
Once in Ávila, you can explore the city by walking or using the local bus network. Taxis are also readily available for getting around. Walking is particularly enjoyable in Ávila due to its compact size and the close proximity of major attractions.