Old Town and Walls of Ávila

27/09/2026

Ávila is a historic city in central Spain, in the region of Castile and León. It is famous above all for its city walls, which are among the best preserved medieval walls in the whole of Europe. The walls form a complete ring around the old town. They are about 2.5 kilometres long and have many towers and gates. They were built mainly in the 11th and 12th centuries. Ávila stands high on a plateau and is one of the highest cities in Spain, so it can be cold. The old town and its churches have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

What to See

The walls are the main attraction. You can walk along large sections of the top of the walls and enjoy views over the old town and the countryside. There are many round towers and several old gates. Inside the walls, the old town has quiet streets, small squares and fine churches, including the cathedral, which is built into the walls themselves. Ávila is also strongly linked to Saint Teresa of Ávila, a famous nun and writer who was born here, and there are churches and a convent connected to her. From outside the city there are good viewpoints where you can see the whole ring of walls at once.

How to Get There and Practical Information

Ávila is about 115 kilometres north-west of Madrid. It is easy to reach by train or bus from the capital in around one to one and a half hours. The old town is small and best seen on foot. Walking through the streets and squares is free. There is a small charge to walk along the top of the walls. Allow a few hours to enjoy the walls, the cathedral and the old town. Ávila is often visited together with the nearby cities of Segovia and Salamanca.