Avila has one of the best kept, medieval walled enclosures in Europe. It is over 2 kilometers long and has almost 2,500 crenellations, a hundred towers, six gates and three openings – all of which encircles the older section of Avila. These walls were constructed in the 11th century by the Arab Moor prisoners after Christians recaptured the territory. Adding to the medieval feel of the town is a Romanesque cathedral and medieval churches. If you want to take a walk on the top of the wall, you must pay a small fee. **One of the best places to view the medieval wall and the enclosed city is the Cuatro Postes. It is breathtaking!

Within the walls of old town Avila is the amazing Cathedral which was erected sometime between the 12th and 14th centuries. It was begun in the Romanesque style in the 12th century and later continued in the Gothic style, resulting in intriguing combination of styles and materials. The Diocesan Museum is another great place to visit as it has numerous art pieces, including work by Juan de Arfe. Other highlights include the Mansion of Velada, the Palace of Valderrábano and the Palace of Núñez Vela. Most noteworthy is the Palace of Dávila, which is a fortress made up of four houses which date back to the 13th century. The 16th century Tower of Guzmanes currently houses the City Council. The square of Mercado Chico, the place where the ancient Roman forum stood, is now the city centre.

Another very popular site in Avila is the convent of St. Teresa, the patron saint of Spain. Teresa was a 16th-century Carmelite nun who reformed her order, had many ecstatic visions, and wrote several books. She is the first woman in Catholic history to receive the title, Doctor of the Church,” which was given to her by Pope Paul VI in 1970. The convent in Avila was built over the house where St. Teresa was born. The convent is an active one but you can visit the site of her birthplace – which is a chapel within a church and decorated with scenes of her demonstrating her powers of levitation. You can also view relics of St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross at the Sala de Reliquias, which include a finger from her right hand, the sole of one of her sandals, her rosary beads and a cord she used to flagellate herself. The Monasterio de la Encarnacion, is a Carmelite convent where St. Teresa of Ávila lived, wrote and had many of her mystical experiences.

Some noteworthy places to visit outside the walls of Avila include the Basilica de San Vicente which is a Romanesque basilica which marks the site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent by the Romans. The church of San Pedro dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries.