Tourist attractions Ávila

Built in the second half of the 12C, Ávila cathedral is a good example of religious and military architecture (it is part of the town's fortifications). Its austere exterior contrasts with the fine interior, which boasts colourful sandstone in the ch..

This large basilica stands on the alleged site of the 4C martyrdom of St Vincent and his sisters. It is Romanesque in style, although its pointed vaulting bears witness to the face that construction lasted from the 12C to the 14C. The west door wit..

Ávila's high walls (murallas) punctuated by 88 towers, nine gateways and various posterns, enclose a quadrilateral area of around 900m by 450m. An invaluable testimony to fortifications in the Middle Ages, they date from the 11C and have retained a u..

This Dominican monastery founded in the late 15C was the summer residence of the Catholic Monarchs and also the University. Its church (a single aisle and two galleries) houses the fine alabaster mausoleum of Prince Juan by Domenico Fancelli (1512)..

The palace, now a barracks, has a finely decorated Renaissance entrance and patio.

The palace consists of four seigneurial mansions: two 14C Gothic buildings embellished with coats of arms give onto Plaza Pedro Dávila, and two others, belonging to the Bishops' Palace, give onto Plaza de Rastro.

Also known as Palacio de Oñate, the palace is distinguished by a massive square corner tower, complete with battlements, dating from the early 16C.

The palace façade is flanked by two stout square towers. Its overall appearance is softened by the Gothic-Renaissance entrance and window emblazoned with the family crest.

The fine Romanesque church stands outside the city walls on the vast Plaza Santa Teresa . It shows early Gothic influence mainly in its pointed arches and the delicate rose window on the façade. A lantern lights the transept.

Now the Law Courts, the former residence of the viceroy of Peru is a Renaissance palace with windows framed by slender columns surmounted by coats of arms. There is a beautiful inner patio.