Casa de la Misericordia, Ávila

Historic Building in Ávila

Avila Casa de la Misericordia
Avila Casa de la Misericordia
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Zarateman

Casa de la Misericordia is an easy-to-miss gem on Calle de San Segundo, literally stitched into the outer face of Ávila's medieval wall. From the street it looks like a handsome old building, but the real draw is above the doorway: a stone scene of Saint Martin dividing his cloak to help a poor man, a small act of compassion carved into the city's fortifications.

It's a perfect “pause and look up” moment on a walking tour of Ávila, and one of the things to see in Ávila if you like details that reveal how the city worked day to day. You can't beat it for atmosphere: walls to one side, old-town lanes to the other, and a reminder that medieval Ávila wasn't only about defense, but also about charity and civic care.

History and Significance of the Casa de la Misericordia

The name translates as House of Mercy, and that’s the key to understanding why it matters. This building was associated with charitable support in the city, connected to the practical reality of feeding and helping those in need-an everyday function that often sits quietly beneath the “big monument” story of Ávila’s walls and churches.

The sculpted scene above the entrance is more than decoration: Saint Martin sharing his cloak is a visual shorthand for generosity and duty, the kind of moral message that would have been instantly legible to residents and travelers alike. In a city shaped by pilgrimage routes, religious foundations, and civic institutions, a relief like this worked as both storytelling and a public statement of purpose.

It's also significant for its setting. Very few buildings press right up against the exterior of the wall, so Casa de la Misericordia stands out as part of the city's edge architecture-where the fortified boundary and daily urban life met in a narrow strip of stone and street.

Things to See and Do in the Casa de la Misericordia

Begin with the relief itself. Step back far enough to see the whole scene, then move closer to catch the carving depth and the way the figures are arranged to read clearly from street level. It’s one of those details that’s best appreciated slowly: you’ll notice expression, movement, and the deliberate placement above the door.

Next, take in the “wall-meets-city” setting. Look along the adjoining stretch of fortification and you’ll understand why this spot works so well as a micro-stop: you’re getting architectural storytelling, urban texture, and the wall’s sheer presence all in one glance.

Finally, use it as a route connector. This is a great point to link together nearby wall-related sights-especially if you’re walking the old town in a loop-because Calle de San Segundo naturally pulls you between major plazas, gates, and viewpoints.

How to Get to the Casa de la Misericordia

Most visitors reach Ávila via Madrid, with Madrid-Barajas (MAD) the most common international gateway before continuing onward to the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ávila on Booking.com.

Ávila is well connected by rail from Madrid, and from the station you can continue by taxi or on foot into the walled old town, then follow Calle de San Segundo to the wall-side stretch where the building sits. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Regional buses also run into Ávila, and from the bus area it's a short onward hop by taxi or a straightforward walk to the historic centre depending on luggage and timing.

If you’re driving, aim to park on the edge of the old town and finish on foot, as the historic streets are tighter and slower once you approach the walls and central lanes. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Casa de la Misericordia

  • Entrance fee: Free to view the outside.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website:
  • Best time to visit: Go early or late for quieter streets and easier photos, especially if you want a clean shot of the relief without crowds passing underneath.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes is plenty to appreciate the carving and context, unless you’re building it into a longer wall-and-lanes loop.
  • Accessibility: It’s viewed from the street, but expect uneven paving in the old town and occasional curb changes along the wall-side lanes.
  • Facilities: There are no on-site visitor facilities, so plan cafés and restrooms around the main squares a few minutes away.

Where to Stay Close to the Casa de la Misericordia

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself inside the walls near the cathedral and main monuments so you can walk everywhere; if your focus is fast arrivals and transport convenience, staying nearer the station side of town can simplify logistics.

For an easy old-town base with maximum walkability to the walls and central sights, Hotel Palacio Valderrábanos places you right by the cathedral and a short stroll from Calle de San Segundo. If you prefer a classic historic-hotel feel with the same central advantages, Hotel Palacio de los Velada is another strong option for evenings on foot. For a memorable stay that feels closely tied to Ávila’s historic character, Parador de Ávila works well for atmosphere and easy access to the walled quarter.

Is the Casa de la Misericordia Worth Visiting?

Yes-because it delivers a very Ávila-style reward with almost no effort. You get the drama of the walls, plus a human story carved into stone, all in a quick stop that fits naturally between bigger monuments.

It’s especially worthwhile if you like cities for their details: not just what was built, but why, and how daily life once functioned around charity, faith, and civic identity.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (43)

Residencia Casa de Misericordia at Pl. San Nicolás 18 in Ávila is a recently remodeled care home praised for its clean, welcoming facilities and gardens and for a well‑trained, attentive staff including nurses, physiotherapists and social workers; visitors highlight excellent rehabilitation support, compassionate long‑term care, and contrast it favorably with private homes, though some guests have criticized its charging practices.

BPMM
6 months ago
"In March we admitted my mother to the "Respiro familiar" temporary residence to rehabilitate from a hip fracture and the experience could not havebeen more satisfactory: from the pleasant, clean and welcoming facilities and gardens, to the efficiency and treatment of ALL the staff: assistants, nurses, doctor, physiotherapist, social worker, receptionists... Thank you all...."
Daniel Cabrera
4 years ago
"I would like to express my gratitude to the entire nursing home staff for their care of my grandmother until her last moment. They are trulyprofessionals who treat the elderly with great affection and tenderness. My grandmother was always grateful for their attention and care. Julia Jiménez Jiménez will be eternally grateful to you from heaven, and I want you to know it...."
JMBS
3 years ago
"Having learned firsthand, through my relationship with a geriatrician, how private nursing homes operate—the encroachment on medical practice,widespread irregularities, and especially the lack of staff—I must say that this residence is an oasis. Don't even consider going to private ones, where everything seems beautiful but the neglect, staff shortages, and the management's profit-driven approach turn them into veritable hellholes for our elderly residents and the staff...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a great “short attention span” stop because the highlight is visual and immediate: a story carved above a doorway that you can explain in a sentence. Turn it into a mini game-spot the figures, guess what’s happening, then compare your version to the Saint Martin story.

If you’re walking the old town with kids, use it as a breather between larger interiors. It’s outdoors, flexible, and close to routes that lead back toward cafés and open plazas.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Casa de la Misericordia is a lovely small moment on a slower, more intimate wander-especially in the evening when the streets feel calmer and the wall-side lanes glow under warm lighting. It's the kind of stop that encourages you to linger, talk, and notice details together.

Pair it with a gentle loop: relief first, then a short stroll toward a viewpoint or a main square for a glass of wine. The contrast between fortress walls and a carved act of kindness feels quietly romantic.

Budget Travelers

It’s a perfect free add-on that still feels meaningful, especially if you’re prioritizing the walls and exterior architecture over paid interiors. You can build a satisfying route of street-level details like this, then choose one paid “big ticket” sight if you want to balance the day.

Because it’s quick, it’s also a smart stop when you’re managing time tightly-easy to fold into a longer walking loop without spending money or committing to a schedule.

FAQs for Visiting Casa de la Misericordia

Getting There

It’s on Calle de San Segundo, directly beside the city wall in the historic centre. You’ll find it naturally if you’re walking the wall-side lanes near the old town’s main monuments.
Aim for the cathedral area first, then drift onto Calle de San Segundo and follow the wall line. It’s an intuitive route because the walls guide you like a built-in landmark.
The simplest option is a short taxi ride to the old town edge, then walk the last minutes through the historic lanes. If you’re traveling light, walking the whole way is doable, but allow extra time for cobbles and gradients.
Driving right up to it is usually more hassle than it’s worth due to narrow streets and slow access in the historic area. Park on the edge of the old town and walk in for an easier, calmer approach.

Tickets & Entry

The main experience is the exterior façade and relief, which you can enjoy freely from the street. Any tickets you buy in this part of town are typically for nearby monuments, not for viewing this doorway detail.
Most visitors treat it as an exterior stop, focusing on the doorway sculpture and wall-side setting. If you see signs indicating limited access or private use, consider it a look-from-outside sight and keep your visit brief and respectful.
Crowds are usually light compared with the main squares, but tour groups can pass through in bursts. If you want a clean photo, visit earlier in the morning or later in the day.

Visiting Experience

Ten minutes is enough to find it, view the relief, and take a few photos. Give it closer to 20 minutes if you want to compare the carving details and look along the adjoining wall stretch.
Yes, because it’s a low-effort detail that adds depth to your understanding of the city. It works best as a “bonus stop” between the cathedral area and a wall-focused walk.
Pair it with a short wall-side stroll and then loop back toward a central plaza for a café break. The combination of fortifications, lanes, and a quick rest stop makes for a balanced mini-route.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It often appears on routes that focus on wall-adjacent details and old-town streets rather than only the biggest monuments. Even when it’s not explicitly listed, it’s easy to add because it sits right on a natural walking line.
Independent works very well since the highlight is a single, readable feature above the door. A guide is useful only if you want deeper context on Ávila’s charitable institutions and how wall-side buildings functioned historically.

Photography

Yes, especially if you like detail shots with a story behind them. The relief photographs well in softer light, and the nearby wall stonework adds texture for wider frames.
Morning often gives you calmer streets and a cleaner composition. Late afternoon can be beautiful too, but you may have more passersby along the lane.

Accessibility & Facilities

You can view it directly from the street without needing to climb steps, but the surrounding historic paving can be uneven. Moving slowly and choosing the smoothest line along the lane makes it more comfortable.
This is best treated as a quick stop, then you can head back toward the main squares where seating and cafés are plentiful. Plan your longer pause where you have more comfort options.

Nearby Attractions to the Casa de la Misericordia

  • Ávila City Walls: Follow the nearby stretches to see how the fortifications shape the city's streets and viewpoints.
  • Ávila Cathedral: A fortress-like Gothic landmark that anchors most historic routes through the old town.
  • Plaza del Mercado Chico: The intimate main square inside the walls, ideal for a café pause and people-watching.
  • Basilica of San Vicente: A standout Romanesque church with rich sculpture and a strong medieval atmosphere.
  • Mirador de los Cuatro Postes: The classic panoramic viewpoint for photographing the entire walled skyline from across the river.

The Casa de la Misericordia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ávila!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free to view the outside.

Address: La Bodeguita de San Segundo, C. de San Segundo, 19, 05001 Ávila, Spain
Ávila: 0 km

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