Spain/Castille & Leon: Avila – City Walls

Avila is absolutely amazing – a medieval city with absolutely perfectly preserved city walls, all the ramparts and all the towers – known as Muralas de Avila! Throughout the Middle Ages, Avila was constantly changing hands between Moorish and Christian rule until the Reconquest by Alfonso VI in 1085. After that, many important noble families settled in Avila and the city became known as Avila de los Caballeros (“Avila of the Nobles”). The massive walls still enclose the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town). The best preserved medieval town in the entire Spain! Most of the walls and ramparts and fortifications were erected by the son of Alfonso VI between 1090 and 1099. The walls stretch 2.5km, with an average height of 12m and a thickness of 3m. There are a total of 9 entrance gates into the city, the most spectacular being Puerta de San Vicente and the Puerta del Alcazar. There are a total of 87 semicircular towers around the city. Come here at sunset and the walls are totally mesmerizing! Avila is a UNESCO World Heritage site.