Murallas de Avila (Walls of Avila)
Avila’s defensive walls are among the best preserved in Europe. They were begun in 1190 on orders of Alfonso VI as part of the re-conquest of Spain. Since the builders used the foundations of an earlier Roman fortification, they were able to complete the brown-granite construction in 1199, although embellishments continued into the 14th century. Averaging 10m (33 ft.) in height, the walls have 88 semicircular towers and more than 2,300 battlements. Of the nine gateways, the two most famous are the San Vicente and the Alcázar, both on the eastern side. In many respects, the walls are best viewed from the west. You can hire a taxi to drive alongside the walls’ entire length of 2km (1 1/4 miles). Better yet, you can walk the ramparts, looking eye to eye with storks nesting on rooftops and chimneys. Be aware that there are many rough stone steps and some tricky footing, and despite railings, some fully exposed heights. The views are unsurpassed, and it’s easy to imagine that the fortifications awed attacking armies.
Avila’s defensive walls are among the best preserved in Europe. They were begun in 1190 on orders of Alfonso VI as part of the re-conquest of Spain. Since the builders used the foundations of an earlier Roman fortification, they were able to complete the brown-granite construction in 1199, although embellishments continued into the 14th century. Averaging 10m (33 ft.) in height, the walls have 88 semicircular towers and more than 2,300 battlements. Of the nine gateways, the two most famous are the San Vicente and the Alcázar, both on the eastern side. In many respects, the walls are best viewed from the west. You can hire a taxi to drive alongside the walls’ entire length of 2km (1 1/4 miles). Better yet, you can walk the ramparts, looking eye to eye with storks nesting on rooftops and chimneys. Be aware that there are many rough stone steps and some tricky footing, and despite railings, some fully exposed heights. The views are unsurpassed, and it’s easy to imagine that the fortifications awed attacking armies.
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