Ávila: Spain's Highest Walled City and UNESCO Gem

Ávila (pop. ~57,000) is the capital of Ávila province, Castile and León. At 1,132 m (3,714 ft), it's Spain's highest provincial capital and Europe's highest city over 50,000 residents.

The Walls (Murallas)

• Built 1090–1100 (Romanesque), 2.5 km perimeter, 88 towers, 9 gates.
• Best-preserved medieval walls in Spain; walkable ramparts.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985) — "Old Town of Ávila with its Extra-Muros Churches."

Other Highlights

• Cathedral: Integrated into walls (apse = tower). Romanesque/Gothic.
• Basilica of San Vicente: Romanesque masterpiece, 12th c.
• Convent of Santa Teresa: Birthplace of St. Teresa of Ávila (mystic, reformer, Doctor of the Church).
• Gastronomy: Chuletón de Ávila (huge grilled T-bone), yemas de Santa Teresa (egg yolk sweets), judías del Barco (beans).

Visit

90 min from Madrid by train (AVE/Regional) or car (AP-6/AP-51). Stay intra-muros for atmosphere. Night illumination of walls is spectacular.