Getaway to Avila

Today begins with a visit to the Wall of Ávila, an icon of the city. We will access it from the Puerta del Alcázar as it is the most emblematic, although it is also possible to do so from the Casa de las Carnicerías and the Puerta del Puente. 

This impressive medieval wall from the 11th century, has a perimeter of 2,516 meters, 87 towers, and 9 access doors, in which the Puerta de San Vicente and the Puerta del Alcázar stand out, 2 gatekeepers and 2,500 merlons, and boasts of being the best-preserved walled enclosure in Spain. , it looks like something from a movie... But best of all, you can walk a large part of its layout and walk on the walls. From up there you can see the intense green color under your feet and appreciate how beautiful the city is. 

When you leave the wall, if you go down Calle de la Cruz Vieja, You will arrive at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior or Cathedral of Ávila. Although indeed, its façade is not very striking, but rather austere, the interior is worth it. In the Romanesque style and with more than 300 years of construction, elements of different influences can be appreciated such as the Gothic, observable in its impressive Main Altarpiece, and the Renaissance, in which the laborious Choir stands out, worked in detail on walnut wood, and the Trascoro, pilasters decorated with high reliefs that represent The Presentation in the Temple, The Adoration of the Kings and The Massacre of the Innocents. Another part of the cathedral that you cannot miss is the Girola, not only because it is the oldest element of the temple and the one with the greatest architectural importance, but because it is a real beauty. Of course, don't leave without taking a tour of the cloister. 

And from the Cathedral we go to the Basilica of San Vicente, located outside the walls, passing through the Puerta de San Vicente. Getting there will take us no more than five minutes on foot. This is the advantage of walled cities, which have everything within a few steps. When you arrive at the basilica, you will see that its façade is a different color from the rest, perhaps a little orange. Also in Romanesque style, the work of this parish, still in use with worship celebrations, began in the year 1120. According to tradition, it was here that Saint Vincent was martyred and buried and, as a result, the temple Basílica de San Vicente.

After leaving the basilica, head towards the Plaza del Mercado Chico on López Núñez street. On the way, there is you will pass by the Palace of Monjaraz and the Town Hall, next to the square. In this area of the old city, you will find a wide variety of restaurants where you can eat and rest.  

In the afternoon, you can take the opportunity to visit the Convent and birthplace of Santa Teresa of Jesus. This Baroque Carmelite-style church was built on the house where Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumado was born, now the chapel of Santa Teresa. Below it is the Teresian museum, in the great burial crypt. The facade is divided into three parts in which the image of the Saint in marble and the coats of arms of the Cepeda and Ahumada stand out. In the same square where the Church of Santa Teresa is located, you will also find the Hall of Relics and a small souvenir shop in case you want to take a souvenir home.

To end the day there is, nothing better than enjoying the sunset at the viewpoint of Ávila, the shrine of the four posts. Walking you will arrive in about 15 minutes, passing through the Roman Bridge of Ávila that crosses the Adaja River. After this, you only have to enjoy the beautiful night of Avila and, why not, enjoy a good steak. with a nice bottle of local wine