Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Things to Do in Avila, Spain - Avila Attractions
Things to Do in Avila
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Top Attractions in Avila
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Scenic Walking Areas
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- A Midlife AdventureDursley, UK947 contributionsThe walls were built to completely circumnavigate the city back in medieval times in Romanesque style and stretch for 12.5 miles. Work began in 1090 but it took until the 14th century to actually complete them and they encircle 77 acres of land. The city, itself, has been inhabited since pre-Roman times around the 5th century BC.
There are 87 semicircular towers with an average height of 39 ft and 9 gates which allow access.
You can walk nearly half of the original walls. We entered at La Puerta de la Catedral, at the entrance in the Casa de Carnicerías. The towers that you pass throughout the walk, some of which are open, are numbered based upon the site of the cathedral ,this being tower number 1.
The longest part of the wall that you can walk takes in 41 towers and covers the northern side. You finish the walk at the turret of San Segundo so-called because it looks onto the Shrine of San Segundo.
Access to the second walled section is through the Puerta del Alcázar. This is a lot smaller section and you can buy a ticket solely for this section if you don't wish to walk the longer part. I took up the offer of a free audio guide and found this useful in terms of giving me some background history and highlighting parts of both the inner and outer city as we walked.Written March 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JSTrip_77Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina1,202 contributionsThis is one of those European churches which has been enlarged and changed so many time over hundreds, actually, over 1000 years and now has elements that span so many different eras. For me, the most impressive element was not even the building itself but rather the ornate tomb which includes intricately carved and colored figures. It was a bit annoying that everything in Avila required a separate ticket. I did not mind at all paying for the upkeep of these treasures but a package ticket would have been nice.Written November 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- A Midlife AdventureDursley, UK947 contributionsBuilt as a planned cathedral-fortress and incorporated into the city’s walls, there is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Said to have been built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the earlier Romanesque parts are made of a striking red-and-white "blood" limestone, while the Gothic parts were built with pure white stone.
The cathedral features 24 pieces depicting the life of Jesus, the Evangelists, and the Apostles hanging in the altar. There is much to admire including the stained-glass windows that date to the 15th century, and the choir section carved out of walnut, which was completed in 1546.
There is an entrance fee and audio guide availableWritten March 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tony MBembridge, UK576 contributionsAn excellent spot to view all the southern part of the Wall/City.
There's a few free parking spots if you're lucky.Written November 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jun JacintoNew York City, NY1,474 contributionsFascinating place with its beautiful three cloisters that was so much to see as its lingers to each deep historical value and perfectly designed and preserved.Written January 5, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GMPHNCupertino, CA6 contributionsWe just dropped by on our last day in Avila, to look for gifts in the gift store, but we were so glad we came. This is a lovely, quiet place of prayer & museum that helps you get a sense for how St. Teresa lived. During her lifetime she was frustrated with how unspiritual this monastery was, but clearly it has become a true place of prayer. The docent was really kind & gave us a tour in Spanish that we fumbled to understand with Google translate—-but her kindness & love forGod spoke louder than words. The young women volunteering in the gift shop also radiated God’s love. If you are hoping to connect with the legacy of St. Teresa, this is a wonderful place to visit—-far better than the other Teresian shrine inside the city.Written October 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DuquesadinerGlasgow, UK1,403 contributionsPark the car and get out and walk, it is the only way to see the old town. Lots of little squares and narrow streets to navigate. There are a couple of hotels near the cathedral that should be visited, nothing to look at from the outside but beautiful cloistered galleries on different levels surrounding dining rooms. There is a Plaza Mayor of sorts but we felt it was a little soulless.Written July 27, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- doctorfoxtrotTaguig City, Philippines7,818 contributionsChurch here has a baroque facade. Inside there are beautiful stained glass windows . Outside is that statue of St. Therese near the entrance . Beside is a small souvenir gift shop. You can see a relic of the saint as well , but photography is strictly not allowed.Written March 15, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- A Midlife AdventureDursley, UK947 contributionsMarkets are a common sight in Spanish towns/cities. As we had eaten lunch early, before siesta, the market was slowing down when we arrived after our cathedral visit but there were still stalls offering fruit, vegetables, fish, pastries etc .
If you are self catering like us you are never spoilt for choice in terms of fresh produce.
The plaza or square of any Spanish town always exudes atmosphere and this one is made more unique by the thoughts of those who have trodden the cobbles before you.Written March 17, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul LEindhoven, The Netherlands3,488 contributionsThis is a small but beautiful church on Plaz de Santa Teresa opposite the city gate and walls of Avila.
You only need a few minutes to visit here.Written December 30, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JSTrip_77Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina1,202 contributionsI feel like this place gets a bit overlooked in that it's still an active vehicle and pedestrian gate to the walled city. It is utterly massive. It also has an arched bridge that connects the two sides of the gate forming a sort of light archway prior to the thick arched main doorway. When you walk through, don't forget to look up the space in which the portcullis once was. You can see all the way to the top.Written November 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JSTrip_77Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina1,202 contributionsThis is a lovely place to take in the walls of the city though I have to say I preferred the areas where there was grass right up to the walls rather than paving stones. Still, this is a great place to walk and just absorb the history exuding from these ancient walls.Written November 20, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ESVincentHong Kong, China1,156 contributionsAlso know as the Palacio de Superunda - this has recently been converted and upgraded and what a surprise.
With Avila in lockdown this one of the few museums open. The costs of entry varies between 2-4 Euros but its worth. The Museum is in an old Royal Palace and hosts the collection of the arts Caprotti who was a painter of the local area - dont let that put you off. The Museum is great - some stunning collections and rooms equipped from the artists studio and then the building itself.
This is a delightful visit and dont miss the two excellent Sorolla paintings either.Written November 11, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Denis CHowwood, UK219 contributionsThis was the first of St Teresa’s reformed carmelite converts, simple to the point of austerity. There is a small but informative museum attached.Written July 9, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Denis CHowwood, UK219 contributionsThis is a small gem of a chapel, within the legendary city walls. Has some handsome tombs but access is difficult out with service times.Written July 9, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Avila
- The top attractions to visit in Avila are:
- Las Murallas de Ávila
- Basilica de San Vicente
- Catedral de Avila
- The Four Posts
- Convento de Santa Teresa
- The best day trips from Avila according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Full Day Tour Ávila and Segovia from Madrid with Tickets to Monuments Included
- Toledo, Segovia, Optional Avila: Majesty of Medieval Spain Tour
- Three Cities in One Day: Segovia, Ávila & Toledo from Madrid
- Avila and Segovia Full Day Tour from Madrid
- Avila and Salamanca Tour from Madrid
- The most popular things to do in Avila with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Las Murallas de Ávila
- Casco Historico de Avila
- Basilica de San Vicente
- The Four Posts
- Free Tour Ávila
Avila Attractions Information
| Attractions | 85 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 14,640 |
| Attraction Photos | 11,979 |
| Local Time | Saturday 1:22 PM |