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 Avila |
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Avila is literally the highest provincial city in Spain with a height of 3,706 feet beyond sea level. The city is located at the Sierra de Avila s background while overlooking a rocky plain and the Adaja River .
Originally, the city was established by Iberian Tribes before the integration of Celtic, Roman and Christian culture.
Avila was made famous because it was St. Theresa of Jesus birthplace. Santa Teresa de Jesus was a noblewoman who lived as a nun in the Convent of the Conception when she was 18 years old. She became famous for her talent in writing and mystical, religious visions. Her first work was published in 1588.
Known for its ruthless winter seasons, Avila is visited for its medieval city walls called the Las Murallas - one of the most maintained walls in Europe .
Avila has gone through 3 centuries of frequent transition from Muslims to Christians. Only until Toledo fell in 1085 under Alfonso VI did the city became a permanent Christian community.
Today, the city is an important center for commerce.
If you are planning to visit this prosperous provincial city, it is recommended to go to the tourist information located at Plaza de la Catedral or contact the office via phone at 91 920 21 13 87.
AVILA FACTS
* Population = around 32,000
* Location = 112 km north western Madrid
* Nearest train station = Chamartin
Avila is home to many beautifully designed churches and excellent works of art. If you have planned a journey to the city, you should not miss to stop over these superb tourist attractions.
Cathedral
Location: Eastern end of Avila
The city was established around the 12 th and 16 th century. Its architectural design is a mixture of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque style.
This cathedral is integrated into Avila s city walls, which could be seen at the Cimorro . Its superior stained-glass cathedral windows are one of the many highlights of this site.
Another magnificent feature is Cornelius de Holanda s carved artwork that represents the lives of the saints. It is located at the choir s stall.
The cathedral is open daily, with a small admission charge, from 8:30 am to 2 pm and 4 to 7 pm.
In front of the cathedral, you can also visit the Cathedral Museum (Museo Catedralicio) that displays sculptures, artworks, illuminated manuscripts and relics of famous artists such as El Greco.
The museum, which was created by Juan de Arfe in 1571, includes an outstanding silver 6-feet monstrance.
Unlike the cathedral, the museum only opens for a couple of hours.
Convento de Santa Teresa - Convent of St. Theresa
Location: Avila
When St. Theresa improved the Carmelite order, this Baroque-style Convento de Santa Teresa was one of its several convents. Constructed in 1636, this convent is Santa Teresa s birthplace. The convent s neighbor is a famous museum that exhibits religious relics including the ring finger of St. Theresa.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and again from 3:30 to 7:30 pm.
El Monasterio de Santo Tomas - Royal Monastery of St. Thomas
Location: southeast of the Avila Cathedral
The Royal Monastery of St. Thomas was established in 1482, which was funded by the los Reyes Catolicos - Isabel and Fernando. This monastery is also the burial site of Don Juan, their only son, who died at an early age of 19. His tomb was carved by a famous artist named Florentine Domenico di Sandro Fancelli.
The El Monasterio de Santo Tomas became the headquarters for the advisers of royalty. It also became a residence of the wicked Tomas Torquemada - Spain s 15 th century leader of witch hunting. He was also buried in the monastery.
The monastery includes three pathways. The third cloister is the most famous since it is home of the Dominican Museum , which is purely devoted to Oriental art.
The Royal Monastery of St. Thomas is open to the public daily, from 8 am to 1:30 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. There is a moderately priced admission fee.
Convento de San Jose - St. Joseph s Convent
Location: 5 minutes away from the cathedral s east side
This convent is also known as the Mother s Convent or the Convento de las Madres .
Among the seventeen convents founded by St. Theresa, the Convento de San Jose was the first to be constructed. It originated around 1562.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 2 pm and again around 4 pm to 7 pm. During the winter season, the museum is open only for a limited time. There is a reasonably priced admission fee to enter the museum.
Basilica de San Vicente - St. Vincent s Basilica
Location: just outside the St. Vincent s Gate
This Romanesque-styled basilica was rumored to be the location where the martyrs Vicente and his 2 sisters were killed by the Romans in 303 AD.
The Basilica de San Vicente includes life-like statues of the apostles set in the west portico.
With a small admission fee, the basilica is open daily from 10 am to 2 pm and again on 4pm to 8 pm.
Palacio de los Deanes - The Deanes Palace
Location : Plaza de Nalvillos
The Palacio de los Deanes is home to the Provincial Museum (Museo Provincial). It displays regional archeological discoveries.
The Deanes Palace is open every Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Every Sundays, it is only open from 11 am to 2 pm. Be prepared to pay a small amount for the admission fee.
Las Murallas - The City Walls
Location: Avila
Originally built between 11 th and 12 th century, the Avila Walls still surround the city. The walls are about 40 feet tall and 1.5 miles long, combined with 88 cylindrical towers.
The Las Murallas also has nine gates - all of which includes two towers that are 66 feet high and connected by an arch.
Although each of the gates was impressively designed, the most striking gateways are the Alcazar Gate (Puerta del Alcazar) and St. Vincent s Gate (Puerta de San Vicente). Both of these magnificent gateways are located at the east end of Avila , which is considered the weakest spot of the city due to the land plateau.
Both visitors and locals of Avila are allowed to walk atop the city walls beginning from Puerta del Alcazar to Puerta del Rasto .
With a small admission fee, you may visit the Las Murallas everyday from April to September around 11 am 1:30 pm and 5 pm to 7:30 pm. During off-peak seasons, the walls are open from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm only.
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