109km (68 miles) NW of Madrid; 67km (42 miles) SW of Segovia
The ancient city of Avila is completely encircled by well-preserved 11th-century walls, which are among the most important medieval relics in Europe. The city has been declared a national landmark, and there is little wonder why. The only surprise is that it's not quite as popular as Segovia and Toledo, though perhaps this can be explained by its slightly more austere and spiritual mood. In some ways, it's the most uncompromisingly Castilian city of them all.
The walls aren't the only attraction. Avila has several Romanesque churches, Gothic palaces, and a fortified cathedral. It is among some 80 cities designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites (six of these are in Spain; the other five are Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Toledo, Cáceres, and Salamanca).
Avila's spirit and legend are most linked to St. Teresa, born here in 1515. This Carmelite nun, who helped defeat the Reformation and founded a number of convents, experienced visions of the devil and angels piercing her heart with burning hot lances. She was eventually imprisoned in Toledo. Many legends sprang up after her death, including the belief that a hand severed from her body could perform miracles. Finally, in 1622, she was declared a saint.
Note: Bring warm clothes if you're visiting in the early spring. Even warmer clothes if you are here in winter. This is Spain's highest provincial capital, standing at 2,000m (3,000 ft.) above sea level.
