Ávila, about a 60-minute drive from Madrid, has kept a unique historical legacy. Named a World Heritage Site in 1985, this Castilian city is still enclosed by its Medieval walls, 2.5km in length. The Old Town is the fine result of fruitful interaction between the Jews, the Muslims and the Christians.
The Medieval walls, 2.5km long, are punctuated by 88 turrets and 9 gates, Puerta de San Vicente and Puerta de Alcázar being the most impressive of those guarding the Romanesque defensive rampart. You can walk along the entire perimeter of the city walls on the outer side. Activities include ‘Theatre in the City Walls’, “Legendary Guided Tours’, ‘Medieval Festivals”, and others.
Ávila Cathedral
The apse of the Cathedral actually forms part of the walls, which reminds us of its defensive nature. The interior contains Romanesque sections, while the newer ones show a Gothic style. In fact, Ávila was among the first Castilian towns to use Gothic elements.
Other sights of interest
Guided tours
There are several guided and dramatised visits that are organised in order to discover the city through programmes like “St Teresa’s Train’, ‘The City Walls by Night’, ‘Legendary Ávila’, ‘Ávila and Its Noble Mansions’ or ‘Ávila, a World Heritage City’, Organise your visit by consulting the Ávila Official Tourist Guides.
City of Avila Medieval Fair - "The Market of Three Cultures"
During the first weekend of September, the streets of Ávila will be going back to the Middle Ages as they host the city’s popular medieval fair. The streets of the city are decked out to welcome thousands of visitors who will enjoy parades, tournaments, shows, food, music and fun. This annual event, which is also known as “The Market of Three Cultures”, fills the streets of the city with Moors, Christians and Jews, minstrels, merchants and sheriffs, accompanied by the residents of Ávila who help to make this the most important event in the city.
Named a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in September 2017, it is one of the most spectacular medieval fairs in Spain due to its original and varied recreation of period activities and its authentic backdrop: the 12th century city walls, which are adorned for this special event that harks back to the times of archers, merchants, and maidens.
Other Events
Throughout the year, Ávila hosts other events of interest for the public, such as the Ilumina Ávila light and sound show that is held in the first fortnight of August. It is an event in which the city is adorned with lights, sounds and stories displayed on the most emblematic monuments using innovative techniques, such as videomapping. The Castile and Leon International de Circus Festival or the Tomás Luis de Victoria International Music Festival also stand out.
A unique way of travelling to and discovering Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. Starting on 15 April!
A period train running between the capital and Aranjuez recreates the Madrid area’s first rail line. Spring Season: Sat & Sun, from 22 April to 25 June.
Get on board this vintage train whose steam locomotive pushes its way past stunning landscapes in southeast Madrid. Every Sunday, from 5 March to 28 May.
Travel from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial on a vintage train and unveil the secrets of King Philip II’s empire. Coming back soon.