SUTTON Travels: Ávila, Spain

12 April 2025

Ávila, Spain

Ávila, Spain, is a city steeped in history and renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls, which are among the finest in Europe. Located in the Castile and León region, Ávila has been inhabited since pre-Roman times, with its origins possibly linked to the Vettones, an ancient Iberian people. The city became part of Roman Lusitania and later fell under Moorish control around 714. It was reconquered by Alfonso VI of León and Castile in 1085, marking a significant turning point in its history.

The 12th century saw the construction of Ávila's iconic walls, which stretch over 2.5 kilometers and feature 88 towers and nine gates.

These walls were built to protect the city during the Reconquista, a period of conflict between Christian and Muslim forces in Spain. Ávila flourished during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs in the late 15th century but experienced decline following the expulsion of the Jewish and Morisco communities.

Important Dates:

- 714: Moorish conquest of Ávila.

- 1085: Reconquest by Alfonso VI.

- 12th century: Construction of the medieval walls.

- 1515: Birth of St. Teresa of Ávila.

- 1985: Designation of Ávila's old town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Vibrant City

Inside the walls visitors can appreciate architecture, shops and cafes, and the city market.

artistry

shopping

Avila Market

St. Teresa of Ávila:

St Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa, born in Ávila in 1515, was a Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer of the Carmelite Order. She entered the Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation in Ávila in 1535, where she developed a deep practice of mental prayer.

Dissatisfied with the laxity in the order, she founded the Convent of St. Joseph in 1562, emphasizing a return to austerity and contemplation. Over her lifetime, she established 17 convents and became a central figure in the Carmelite Reform.

Her writings, including "The Interior Castle," are considered spiritual masterpieces. St. Teresa's connection to Ávila is profound, as the city was not only her birthplace but also the setting for much of her spiritual journey and reform work. She was canonized in 1622 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, the first woman to receive this honor.