Ávila

Updated on October 1, 2026

Just over an hour from Madrid, Ávila is ringed by almost intact medieval walls: 2,516 meters of ramparts, 87 towers and 9 gates, built from the late 11th century onward. The old town and its churches outside the walls have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Set at more than 1,100 meters above sea level, it is also the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Ávila, born in 1515. One day is enough to walk the ramparts, visit the cathedral and the Basilica of San Vicente, then cross the Adaja river to the Cuatro Postes viewpoint. Bring warm clothes outside summer: Ávila is one of the coldest cities in Spain.

Highlights

The wall walk

Several sections of the wall walk are open to visitors, with three entrances: the Casa de las Carnicerías, the Puerta del Alcázar and the Puerta del Puente. The walk between the battlements gives views over the rooftops of the old town, its bell towers and the surrounding plain.

The Cathedral of the Savior

Often described as the first Gothic cathedral in Spain, it looks like a fortress: its apse, the "cimorro", is built into the city wall and forms one of its towers. Inside, the ambulatory is built of red and white stone.

The Basilica of San Vicente

Just outside the walls, near the Puerta de San Vicente, this large Romanesque church (12th century) is dedicated to the martyrs Vincent, Sabina and Christeta. Its carved west portal and the martyrs' cenotaph inside are its highlights.

Saint Teresa, the Cuatro Postes and yemas

The Convent of Santa Teresa was built in the 17th century over the saint's birthplace, and the Monastery of the Encarnación, where she lived for nearly thirty years, lies north of the town. Across the Adaja, the Cuatro Postes viewpoint, a 16th-century humilladero shrine, offers the best-known overall view of the walls. Before leaving, try yemas de Santa Teresa, small sweets made with egg yolk and sugar.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Access to the wall walk costs €8 (reduced rate €5); prices as of October 2026, tickets sold on site. Last entry to the walls is 45 minutes before closing. In winter, the walls are closed on Mondays: plan your trip for another day.

How to get there

Visitor Reception Center, Avenida de Madrid, 39, 05001 Ávila: about 110 km northwest of Madrid Renfe train (Media Distancia) from Madrid-Chamartín and Príncipe Pío, about 1 hr 30 min to 2 hrs, then a 20-minute walk from Ávila station to the walls Bus: Jiménez Dorado from the Estación Sur bus station (Metro Méndez Álvaro, line: 6), about 1 hr 20 min