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The old town of Avila and the churches outside the city walls have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most emblematic monument, the walls, stand out because they are preserved in excellent condition.
The walls are more than 2.5 kilometres long, with 88 towers and more than 2,000 battlements. Walking round them is a real experience. It has nine gateways, of which the Alcázar or San Vicente gates are the most outstanding. You will find the cathedral apse embedded in the walls. It was started in 1091. Another place not to be missed is the Basilica of San Vicente, an example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic. You will see Romanesque churches such as San Pedro, San Nicolás, San Segundo, San Esteban, San Andrés, San Martín and Santo Tomé. There are also many convents and monasteries: Las Gordillas, Santo Tomás, San José, La Encarnación and Santa María de Gracia are some examples. The three last ones are also very much connected with the figure of Santa Teresa de Jesús. The many noble houses and palaces are also attractions in the city. The mansions of los Velada, los Verdugo, Polentinos and Valderrábanos, amongst others, are worth a visit.
