Top Things to do in Avila
What to do and see in Avila, Castile and Leon: The Best Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Avila, Spain including Catedral de Avila, Basilica de San Vicente, Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas, The Walls of Avila, Museo del Convento de la Encarnacion, The Four Posts, Palacio Caprotti, Casco Historico de Avila, Convento de Santa Teresa, Plaza Mayor.
Restaurants in Avila
1. Catedral de Avila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,954 reviews
Reviewed By gardenmum13
We loved visiting the walled city of Avila, and especially enjoyed our visit to the Cathedral. As with all large, old, stone buildings, it was cold in November. Rug up! It is beautiful and worth the visit.
2. Basilica de San Vicente
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 871 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
This was my favourite church in Avila and considering how beautiful the likes of St Teresa's and the cathedral are, that is really saying something. It is situated just outside the city walls and pretty much above the tourist office which is down the steps beside it. It is a stunning Romanesque Basilica and well worth going into. I loved the brightly coloured granite facade with all the elegant columns and arches. It costs only €2.30 to go in and you get a very detailed audio guide to help you around. Stunningly intricate inside with amazing iconography and artwork. I wished I had more time there to be honest as I visited it last after spending a whole morning inside the city walls. An absolute must see in my opinion.
3. Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By seafare74
The monastery is an architectural wonder with three beautiful courtyards or cloisters and the tomb of the king's son among the treasures that make a visit here worthwhile.
4. The Walls of Avila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,304 reviews
Reviewed By NikoliGogol - Edmonton, Canada
The most attractive feature of Avila. Very well maintained formidable walls. For five euro, you are given access to parts of the upper walls for a great walk.
5. Museo del Convento de la Encarnacion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By Maravillas01
Outstanding place for your soul and inner peace. Highly recommended for everyone, no matter what your life interests are you will find something for you in this Monastery. Something very own. It is not only 16th medieval monastery, but home full of hospitality people working in the museum where you can get in touch with Therese of Jesus through many ways. One of them is the one you see directly when entering into museum (the entrance is just on the right side once you enter in the yard where the Cross is) - tangible cultural heritage from 16th century, golden period of Spanish history or “siglo de oro”. In this sense, exhibits involve you in a lifestyle of our famous carmelite nun St. Therese of Ávila, and her beloved Community. Once you are inside, she is the one who immerses you very deeply as everything there speaks out loud, how we would say, about Love of God for people, and this is one of numerous love stories and unique as each of those ever told, or written. Dear Reader, give a chance to yourself to be pampered inside with the pure Love. Explore this hidden gem, who knows what you will discover meeting Carmelite Sisters, museum and its shop full of treasures, or entering into Church of Incarnation where is one very special Virgin Mary - Virgen de Clemencia, who awaits you or few steps more you will discover another diamond in the crown- The Chapel where Therese of Ávila experienced special mercies.. Don’t hesitate to knock on this doors and enter, dear Visitor! Best wishes on this journey!
6. The Four Posts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,686 reviews
Reviewed By jezzc_13 - Hethersett, United Kingdom
Did the city walls walk and exited at the rear of the city and crossed the road and took in the Roman Bridge and you can walk under it along the river and then climbed the hill here to get an unparalleled view of the city. You can also take in a small church on the way back. Great way to spend your day
7. Palacio Caprotti
8. Casco Historico de Avila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By felipehavana - Javea, Spain
So pleased we included Avila in our road trip, it surpassed all our expectations. A lovely old city, wonderfully preserved and very clean, that has embraced modernity whilst retaining sympathy with the historical architecture. We relished every aspect of our time here both by day and night. Walking around and then on top of the wall was very special and strolling around the city, both inside and immediately outside the walls, was very enjoyable indeed. Being almost traffic free it was peaceful and made getting around to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the sights very easy. Lots of bars to enjoy drinks and tapas, this being a town where you are given a substantial tapas with every drink.
9. Convento de Santa Teresa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 565 reviews
Reviewed By Jo_and_Tom - Anna, United States
One of our friends suggested we visit Avila and St Teresa's Church since we were in Madrid. I checked it out and found that it is only a 2 hr train ride so we booked a tour with our Travel Agent. We boarded the train in Madrid at Principe Pio - this is only station which has a train going to Avila. The train ride is approximately 2 hrs. The trip is rather enjoyable since you are going up into foothills and scenery is beautiful. When we arrived, our licensed tour guide met us and transported us via Taxi. The Taxi ride was approximately 10 minutes and we arrived at the main entrance and proceeded to the Convent. The convent is the first convent of Teresa which are Carmelites. There is a statue in the courtyard of St Teresa and we had our picture taken with it. The Church is active so went we visited a mass in Polish was being held so we couldn't really see it but proceeded the the Gift Shop and Chapel. The chapel is not very large so dependent on when you go, you may have to share with many others. We were lucky in that a group of +20 were just leaving and we had the chapel to ourselves - wife, tour guide and myself. The other area of chapel is a recreation of Teresa's room which is interesting. Upon exiting the chapel you can see some of Teresa's writings as well as relics from her and St John Vinney. To Non-Catholics, they may seem gross - they had a finger and other material from her and John but to us they have a special meaning and place in our beliefs. The gift shop doesn't gouge you with its prices. If you want to pick up something special, it is not expensive. We picked up a rosary out of rose petals for 10 euro's.
10. Plaza Mayor
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