Avila Walls

travel  wonder in Spain

Why the
Avila Walls
are special

The Avila Walls are among the longest, best-preserved, and most beautiful city walls in the world. They completely surround the old town.

Tips & insights on

the Walls of Avila

They were built in the 11th and 12th centuries to defend against the Moors.

The Avila Walls are 2.5 kilometer (1.5 mile) long - and average 12 meters (40 feet) high and 3 meters (10 feet) thick.

They are punctuated with 88 towers and nine gates.

The Alcazar and San Vincente are the most photogenic gates.

You can walk along the top of the Avila Walls for a view of the town and countryside.

The Avila Walls are best viewed outside the walls (see photo). For the finest vantage, visit the Cruz de los Cuatro Postes site a short drive across the river.

The walls are the town's biggest draw, though other attractions exist, including the Cathedral, the San Vicente Basilica, and the Convent of Saint Theresa (named for the famous home-grown mystic).

Avila, being high in altitude, is cold in the winter. However, in the summer, its climate is cooler than Madrid's. This makes Avila a pleasant day or weekend trip out of hot Madrid.

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