Avila

Spai

n

WORLD HERITAGE CITY

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

ÁVILA AND ITS HISTORY 1

ITINERARIES IN THE CITY 3

Itinerary I 3

Itinerary II 6

Itinerary III 8

Other Places of Interest in the City 10

ITINERARIES THROUGH THE PROVINCE 12

Itinerary I 12

Itinerary II 14

Itinerary III 15

Itinerary IV 17

Other Places of Interest in the Province 19

USEFUL INFORMATION 19

LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS 20

MAP OF THE PROVINCE 22

ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONENUMBERS OF INTEREST 24

GREAT BRITAIN

IRELAND

FRANCE

MOROCCO

PORT

UG

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SPAINC T U R E S P A Ñ A

Secretaría de Estado de Comercio y TurismoMin i s ter io de Economía

Text: Tomás Díaz MartínezTranslation: J. WestPhotographs: TURESPAÑA ArchivesLayout: Objetivo Directo, S.L.Printed by: GAEZ, S.A.D. L.: M-41749-2001NIPO: 380-01-023-4Printed in Spain

2nd Edition

Madrid

Dublin

London

Paris

Lisbon

Rabat

Ceuta

Melilla

DDAVILA

Cantabrian Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Atla

ntic

Oce

an

1

"Avila of the Nobles" or "Avila of theKing" is the capital of the province ofAvila, one of nine provinces forming

the Autonomous Community of Castilla and León.Poised on a hill on the banks of the Adaja river at

an altitude of 1,100 meters (3,600 feet), Avila is located 112 kilometers(70 miles) from Madrid, capital of Spain. The best route from Madridto Avila is northwest on the A–6 motorway, traversing the SistemaCentral mountain range through the Guadarrama tunnel until reachingthe town of Villacastín and then the N–110 west for thirty morekilometers (almost 20 miles).The northern part of the province is flat while the lofty Sierra de Gredosrises in the southern part, and in between smaller mountains can be

found. The varied topography is mirrored in the diversity of landscapesand the formation of microclimates that never cease to amaze the traveler.Avila is generally cold in winter and hot in summer with little rainfallthroughout the year.An old saying calls Avila “a land of stones and saints”; saints for thenumber and for their importance (St. Teresa de Jesús or of Avila and St.Juan de la Cruz or St. John of the Cross) and stones because of theharsh granitic terrain, austere and unyielding, in keeping with thesolemnity of the mysticism, the seclusion and the strength of the warriortemperament.The UNESCO declared Avila a World Heritage Site in 1985 inrecognition of the importance of its monuments; treasures in a city thatmajestically embodies the Castilian spirit of by–gone days wherewarfare and religious convictions advanced together, unequivocallyunited.

Avila, with the Sierra of Gredos in the background

Historical Background:

A Celtiberian people known as the Vetones were the firstto settle in Avila and the vicinity around 700 B.C.Important vestiges of their culture are scatteredthroughout the province of Avila, such as the celebratedstone sculptures of boars and bulls (some located in thecapital Avila) and the "castros" or villages they inhabited.With the arrival of the Romans at the end of the thirdcentury B.C., Avila became an important town andadopted urban planning and Latin customs. But from thethird century on, with the progressive decline of theRoman Empire and the invasions of the peoples from theNorth, the city underwent a process of ruralization andimpoverishment.When the Moors invaded the Iberian peninsula in 711,Avila found itself in a territory involved in frequentdisputes between Moors and Christians, with no clearleader and a very low population density. Three hundredyears went by until King Alfonso VI entered Toledo in theyear 1085 and decided to repopulate the territory to thenorth of the Duero river to assure his conquests weremaintained. Don Raimundo de Borgoña, the king'sson–in–law, journeyed to Avila with a loyal following thathelped rebuild the city.Little by little, the city prospered until it reached its periodof greatest splendor in the 16th century. Vigorouseconomic activity surrounding the wool industrysustained an important city, promoting the construction ofnumerous churches and convents and the proliferation ofnoble houses and palaces. From this environment ofmaterial and spiritual wealth in Avila, two importantfigures emerged: St. Teresa and St. Juan de la Cruz.But at the turn of the century, Avila's fortune changeddramatically; the plague, the expulsion of the Moors,emigration to America, the nobility's change in residenceto the capital of Spain, and loss of competitivenessmarked Avila's decline, which reached catastrophicproportions at the start of the 19th century. Fortunately,with the onset of more modern times, the city began torecover and today Avila prospers happily while keepingvigil over its impressive heritage.

2

Sierra de Gredos

as well as to facilitate thecontrol of trade.In medieval times, it waspossible to go around theentire wall walk, but today,only a small portion can bevisited along the Alcázargate which also affords afine view of the city.

The mighty walls are presentthroughout our tour of Avila.The eastern side, however,is the one that attracts theattention of most visitors.It is presided over by thecimorro, the name givento the cathedral's apsewhich forms an essentialpart of the defensivestructure of the wallalthough more voluminousand ornate. On either endsof the eastern side are thePuerta del Alcázar (2) andPuerta de San Vicente, gatesflanked by twin towers morethan twenty meters (65 feet)high connected by an archand battlemented walk.

Next to the apse and moremodest in appearancethan the other two is the16th century gate calledPeso de la Harina. Passingthrough the gate andimmediately to our left,we come to the northerndoor of the Cathedral (4)called the Puerta de losApóstoles, formerly themain door until it wasmoved to its presentposition in 1458. Wequickly arrive at the Plazade la Catedral where wefind not only the imposingcathedral but also thepalaces of the Velada andValderrábanos, as well asthe Tourist Office.Focusing on the cathedral,this fortress–church wasbegun in the Romanesquestyle during the 12thcentury by Master Fruchel,the first architect who built the oldest structures:the apse, the ambulatoriesand the high chapel, andwas finished during the14th century in the Gothicstyle. The ground plan isin the shape of a Latincross with a central naveand an aisle on either side.Of architectural interestare its great height and theexcellent placement of theambulatories whichbrilliantly solves thecomplicated problem ofopposing forces. The mostdistinctive features on themain facade, althoughaltered in the 18th century,are the tower, the sculpturaldecoration and the largeGothic window. In theinterior, we see the

4

- Medieval Walls. Plaza deCalvo Sotelo.Open: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.and 5 to 7:30 p.m. ClosedMonday and afternoonsduring winter.- Cathedral and CathedralMuseum. Plaza de laCatedral. w 920 21 16 41. Open: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and3:30 to 6 p.m. Closed January1st and 6th, October 25th andDecember 25th.- Church of San JuanBautista. Plazuela de SanJuan. w 920 21 11 27.Open: Before and afterworship services.

retrochoir and the richlycarved choir stalls, bothdating from the 16thcentury. The high altarpiecebefore us is a spectacularsight, a masterpiece ofSpanish painting by PedroBerruguete, Santa Cruz,and Juan de Borgoña. Tothe left, the small chapelof San Antolín and behindthe high altar, the doubleambulatory, whereeverything seems to shinewith a light of its own;from the mottled stone ofthe vaulting to the ninechapels, in particular thechapels of San Nicolásand Nuestra Señora deGracia, and including thetomb called "El Tostado"(the Swarthy) of DonAlonso de Madrigal,famed bishop of Avila. The tomb is made ofalabaster in thePlateresque style, a

masterpiece by themuch–admired Vasco dela Zarza.The Cathedral Museum,located in the chapel ofthe Cardinal and otherrooms, houses sculpture,books, silver articles,paintings (a portrait by ElGreco), carvings, vestments,and a monumentalprocessional monstrancemade of silver weighingalmost 100 kilos (220pounds) by Juan de Arfe.Leaving the cathedral, wetake the Calle de los Reyes Católicos to thePlaza del Mercado Chico (5),an old Roman forum andcenter of the city withinthe walls. Here stands theAyuntamiento (City Hall)and the Church of SanJuan (6), where St. Teresawas baptized over abaptismal font which isstill preserved.

5

Puerta de San Vicente

ITINERARY II

Starting at the gate ofPuerta de San Vicente, weproceed down the CalleLópez Nuñez until on ourleft we come to the houseof the Verdugo (7), and toour right, immediatelyafterwards, the Aguilasmansion; the first two noblehomes along this itinerary.Most of these houses areaustere and sturdy,fortress–like in appearance.Further ahead is thechapel of Mosén Rubí (8),which now belongs to aconvent embracing bothGothic and Renaissancestyles. Nearby, in the plazaFuente el Sol, we find theMariscal gate, the oldestgateway in the wall, as wellas the Bracamonte palace.Continuing on the street ofMarqués de Canales deChozas, to our right, wehave the Benavites palace(9), currently a Parador deTurismo, and then thePuerta del Carmen (10), agate with a bell gable. We

then turn to the left on tothe Calle de Tres Tazasuntil we reach the palaceof the Polentinos (11),with its lovely Renaissancedoorway. During the 16thand 17th centuries, therewere over one hundrednoble houses in the city;the name of "Avila of theNobles" was clearly notgiven in vain. Unfortunately,neglect and disrepair havebeen costly, and thesesplendid examples of civilarchitecture are only ashadow of what they oncewere.The Travesía de SantoDomingo and Calle deIntendente Aizpuru lead tothe Plaza de la Santa.Here we find the gateknown as Puerta de laSanta, the palace of theNuñez Vela, and theConvent of Santa Teresa (12).The convent, with itsBaroque façade, was builton the former site of theCepeda mansion, the housewhere St. Teresa, thereformer of the CarmeliteOrder, was born. It houses

House where St. Teresa was born

6

ITINERARY III

We begin at the pedestrianwalk called Paseo delRastro (16), a favorite withthe residents of Avila.From here we can admirea large expanse of theAmblés Valley, as well asthe southern districts withthe outline of the Churchof Santiago in the distance.To the right, there are twoconvents: Nuestra Señorade Gracia, which St. Teresaentered when she was 16years old, and theConcepcionistas. Bearing

to the left with the wall,we come to the Plaza deSanta Teresa or Plaza delGrande (17) because itonce housed a largemarket outside the walls.Dominating the easternside of the Plaza delGrande, we find theChurch of San Pedro (18).One of the oldestRomanesque churches inAvila, it is a sober, littleornamented church butimpressive in its ownsimple way. The most

notable features are thetriple apse, a large rosewindow, as well as thepaintings and thealtarpieces in the interior.Heading north on theCalle de Estrada, we reachthe Plaza de Italia. To ourleft is the Serrano palace;opposite, the RomanesqueChurch of Santo Tomé elViejo (19); and behind inthe adjacent Plaza deNalvillos, the house of theDeanes (20), Italianate instyle dating from the 16thcentury and formerresidence of illustriouspersonages. These twobuildings now house theProvincial Museum ofAvila and displayarcheological andethnological artifacts, aswell as fine arts in generalfrom prehistoric times tothe 19th century.The Calle Teatro and thena left on the Calle deEduardo Marquina willlead to San Vicente parkwhich backs up to one ofthe best sections of thewalls, incorporating largestones from a nearbyRoman cemetery. Duringthe summer, a smallTourist Office is set uphere in a wooden kiosk.North of the splendidpark, we see the Basilicaof San Vicente (21), one ofthe city's great treasures.The basilica, built in the12th century at the edgeof a small cliff tocommemorate the site of a triple martyrdom duringthe era of the Romanemperor, Diocletian, is the

8

Basilica of San Vicente

OTHER PLACESOF INTEREST INTHE CITYStanding at the end of theavenue called AlférezProvisional, we find theimpressive Monastery ofSanto Tomás (23), one ofthe best examples ofIsabelline Gothic. It wasfinished in 1493, underthe auspices of Torquemada,grand inquisitor of theSpanish Inquisition, aswell as with the patronageof the Catholic Monarchs,who planned to establishit as one of theirresidences. The death ofPrince Juan, only son ofthe Catholic Monarchs,brought the project to ahalt, and Prince Juan wasinterred here in amagnificent tomb sculptedby Domenico Fancelliwhich was set in thecenter of the transeptunder the dome of the

convent's monumentalchurch.Other striking features tobe admired in the churchare the outstanding highaltarpiece painted byPedro Berruguete, and theraised choir. A series ofthree lovely cloisters arealso noteworthy, calledNoviciado, Silencio andReyes. In the old royalquarters of the building,there is a museum housinga collection of orientalantiquities.Near Duque de Alba streeton the Calle de LasMadres is the Convent ofSan José (24). This was thefirst convent founded bySt. Teresa in 1562. Its twounadorned churches canbe visited along with amuseum housing objects

Mirador de los Cuatro Postes

Monastery of Santo Tomás

10

related to the life of thesaint. Close by in thePlaza de Santa Ana, wefind the headquarters ofthe regional governmentwhich now occupies theformer Convent of SantaAna (25). It has a cloisterwith three stories, achurch–auditorium andother rooms which havebeen remodeled for use asexhibit halls.The Monastery of LaEncarnación (26), locatedon the Paseo de laEncarnación, is the 16thcentury convent whereSanta Teresa spent 29years of her life, five withSt. Juan de la Cruz, whenthe reform of theCarmelite Order wasforged. It is particularlyinteresting to visit thedifferent spots most closely associated with the life of St. Teresa, forexample, her convent celland the famed chapel ofthe Transverberación, aswell as the relics of thesaint in the museum.Opposite the west end ofthe walls, there is a smallgroup of monuments ofspecial interest: Miradorde los Cuatro Postes (27),a privileged lookout called"the Four Columns", aRoman bridge over theAdaja river, and theRomanesque Hermitageof San Segundo (28),which houses the alabastertomb of St. Segundo, firstbishop of Avila, sculptedby Juan de Juni.Other monuments,including the churches of

San Esteban, NuestraSeñora de las Vacas, SanMartin, Santa María de laCabeza and San Nicolás;the convents of San Antonio,Las Gordillas, and SanFrancisco, as well as a largenumber of noble housesand palaces are awaitingthe visitor in the streets of"Avila of the Nobles".

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- Monastery of Santo Tomás.Plaza de Granada, 1. w 920 22 04 00.Open: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4to 7 p.m.- Convent of San José. Plazade Las Madres, 4. w 920 22 21 27.Open: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.and 4 to 7 p.m. (3 to 6 p.m. inwinter)- Monastery of LaEncarnación. Paseo de laEncarnación. w 920 21 12 12. Open: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.and 4 to 7 p.m. (6 p.m. inwinter)- Hermitage of San Segundo.Puente Adaja.Open: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and4:30 to 6 p.m.

We start out going northon the N–501, butimmediately get on theAV–804 road. At adistance of fourteenkilometers (about 81/2miles) we will find thetown of Cardeñosa. Butshortly before reaching thetown, we are going todetour to the right to seethe Ruins of Cogotas from

the Iron Age, one of themost importantarcheological sites inSpain. Continuing ourjourney to the region of LaMoraña, we proceednon–stop to Arévalo.Heart of the AvilanMudéjar architecture anddeclared an HistoricArtistic Site, we findtreasures, such as thePlaza de la Villa and Plazadel Arrabal; the churchesof Santa María la Mayorand San Martín with itstwo stylized towers; SanMiguel with a flatsanctuary; San Juan andSanto Domingo, and animposing restored castlebuilt of brick with aremarkable keep.Before continuing our trip,we should stop at theChurch of La Lugareja,two kilometers (11/2 miles)from Arévalo, so as not tomiss the finest example ofMudejar architecture in allthe region. Afterwards, wetake the C–605 and 26kilometers (16 miles) later,we arrive at a townsteeped in history,Madrigal de las AltasTorres, which owes its name to the nearly one

ITINERARIES THROUGH THE PROVINCE

Tourist guides may be engaged during the summer in thetowns of La Adrada, Arenas de San Pedro, Arévalo, ElBarco de Ávila, Candeleda, Piedrahita and El Tiemblo.Most of the aforementioned Tourist Offices are only openduring the summer and during Holy (Easter) Week from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. and are usually locatedin the Town Halls (Ayuntamientos).

N-501

ÁVILA

Cardeñosa

ArévaloC-605

Madrigal delas Altas Torres

Fontiveros

AV-804

ITINERARY I

12

hundred towers that oncedotted its robust walls;today only 23 remain.Meriting a visit inMadrigal is the palace ofJuan II, birthplace ofQueen Isabella "theCatholic". Various roomscan be visited, includingthe Salón de Cortes andbedroom where QueenIsabella was born. Alsoworthwhile visiting are thechurches of San Nicolásde Bari, with the highesttower in the province, theChurch of Santa María deCastillo, and the HospitalReal, dating from 1443,which houses a museumof Mexican handicrafts.Twenty kilometers (about121/2 miles) to the southis Fontiveros, thebirthplace of St. Juan de laCruz (St. John of the Cross) in 1542. Here we

find the Mudejar church of San Cipriano with aGothic sanctuaryattributed to Gil deHontañon.

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- Tourist Office of Arévalo.Arco del Alcocer.w 920 30 00 01.Churches of Santa María, SanMiguel and San Miguel areopen from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30p.m. and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.- Madrigal de las AltasTorres. w 920 32 00 01.Palaces of Juan II, SanNicolás and Santa María areopen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.and 5 to 7 p.m.- Fontiveros. Church of SanCipriano. Open from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

Church of La Lugareja

The Sanctuary of NuestraSeñora de Sonsoles,patroness of Avila, is about5 kilometers (3 miles) fromthe city on the N–403road. A simple buildingwith a central nave andtwo aisles, originally datingfrom the 15th century, ithas been reformed andhouses a figure of the Virginof Sonsoles that is theobject of deep devotion.Forty kilometers (25 miles)further, after passing ElBarraco which preserves aTown Hall and a lovelychurch, both dating fromthe 16th century, and bythe summer vacation spotof the Burguillo reservoir,we arrive at El Tiemblo.Of interest are the Churchof Nuestra Señora de laAsunción, the Town Hall,and the façade of an oldinn from the 16th century.Heading towards Madrid,almost at the border of the two provinces and with a

short detour on theAV–904, we come to thefamed Toros de Guisando,superbly carved bulls ofCeltic origin that mayhave marked an ancientmigration route.We now travel north toCebreros on the AV–511road, twelve kilometers (71/2 miles) away. Here wefind an enormous churchattributed to Juan deHerrera and the remainsof another church datingfrom the 12th century,transformed into arecreational area.Seven kilometers (over 4miles) further in Hoyo dePinares, we take the

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ITINERARY II

Toros de Guisando

ÁVILA

N-403

El Barraco

El Tiemblo

AV-904

Cebreros

AV-511

Hoyo dePinares

C-505

Las Navasdel MarquésNtra. Sra.

de Sonsoles

Torosde Guisando

AV–502 north and turn tothe right on the C–505going east to reach LasNavas del Marqués, 20kilometers (121/2 miles)later. In Las Navas delMarqués, the castle ofMagalia with its largefortified towers, the 15thcentury parish church, andthe ruins of the Monasteryof San Pablo warrant a visit.

The C–500, near theParador de Turismo ofGredos, leads to Hoyosdel Espino, bridgehead ofthe spectacular RegionalPark and National Hunting Reserve of theSierra de Gredos whichcan be reached by theroad known as LaPlataforma. Glaciallagoons, mountain goats,salamanders, imperialeagles and other naturalriches make for anunforgettable visit.Thirty–five kilometers(almost 22 miles) west ofHoyos del Espino, amidstfertile countryside, wediscover El Barco deÁvila, a town with a richheritage. Althoughsomewhat austere inappearance, the 14thcentury Gothic Church of

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- Sanctuary of NuestraSeñora de Sonsoles.w 920 22 33 67.Open from 7:30 a.m. to 10p.m. (8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. inwinter)- Tourist Office of El Tiemblo.Calle Mártires del Tiemblo.w 918 62 50 02. - Cebreros. Church of SantiagoApóstol. Open from 11 a.m. to1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.- Tourist Office of Las Navasdel Marqués. Calle Casino, 4.w 918 97 20 00.

Castle of Valdecorneja in Barco de Ávila

ITINERARY III

Nuestra Señora de laAsunción is the bestexample. We can alsoadmire the castle ofValdecorneja, where avariety of cultural activitiesare held, a medieval bridgeover the Tormes river,remains of old walls andgates, the Hermitage ofCristo del Caño and otherarchitectural points ofinterest.Travelling in the directionof Avila on the N–110road for 20 kilometers(121/2 miles), we reachPiedrahita, former head ofthe lordship of Valdecorneja,property of the House ofAlba, which encompassedaround a hundred townsand villages. The neoclassicalpalace of the Dukes ofAlba and gardens in thestyle of Versailles, today apublic school, affirm asplendorous past. Otherimportant monuments arethe Church of NuestraSeñora de la Asunciónwhich houses lovelypaintings, some attributedto Gregorio Hernández, andthe arcaded Plaza Mayor.Bonilla de la Sierra willbe our last stop, 16

kilometers (10 miles)ahead, after passing byMesegar de Corneja.Declared a town ofinterest to tourists, Bonillaboasts a castle and thehuge collegiate Church ofSan Martín de Tours, aswell as the Plaza Mayorand picturesque streets.

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- Tourist Office of Hoyos delEspino. w 920 34 90 35.- Tourist Office of El Barcode Avila. Calle Arco, 2. w 920 35 40 13. Church ofNuestra Señora de laAsunción. Open from 12 to 2p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.- Tourist Office of Piedrahita.Plaza Mayor. w 920 36 00 01.- Bonilla de la Sierra.Colegiata de San Martín deTours. Ask for the person incharge – "el encargado".

C-500

El Barcode Ávila

Hoyos del Espino

N-110

Piedrahita

Bonilla de la Sierra

Mesegar deCorneja

Leaving the Parador deGredos behind and headingeast, we then turn right onthe N–502 going south.After crossing the Puertodel Pico, near an old Romanroad (Calzada Romana),and having traveled around30 kilometers (181/2 miles)in all, we arrive atMombeltrán. Its imposing15th century castle looksout over a large part of thevalley. The ample Plazade la Corredera with thefaçade of the Hospital ofSan Andrés, and theGothic Church are themost interesting sights.Twelve kilometers(71/2 miles) on theAV–903 road bringsus to Arenas deSan Pedro, butfirst

we recommend a shortdetour to visit theMonastery of San Pedro de Alcántara. Largely a16th century building, itwas remodeled in the 18thcentury, under the skillfuldirection of VenturaRodríguez, who built themagnificent funerary chapel.A museum of religious artcompletes the visit.In Arenas de San Pedro,the castle of the Triste

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ITINERARY IV

Arenas de San Pedro

N-502

Mombeltrán

Arenas de San PedroRamacastañas

N-501

Candeleda

San Pedro de Alcántara

Cuevas del Águila

Condesa rises up with alarge keep. The 16th centuryGothic Church of LaAsunción, with its gracefulbell tower, and the palaceof Prince Luis de Borbónare other sights of interest.After visiting Arenas, wehead towards Ramacastañas.Four kilometers (21/2 miles)away and well worth a visitare the renowned cavescalled Cuevas del Águila,a fairyland of stalactitesand stalagmites.To conclude our itinerary,we should return to Arenasde San Pedro and after 20kilometers (121/2 miles)heading west on the C–501,we will find ourselves inCandeleda. One of the placesof interest is the 15th centurychurch and seven kilometers(about 4 miles) further, thebeautiful Sanctuary ofNuestra Señora de Chilla.

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Balconies in Candeleda

- Mombeltrán. Church of SanJuan Bautista. Open from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.- Monastery of San Pedro deAlcántara. w 920 37 02 04.Open from 9:30 a.m. to 12p.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m.- Tourist Office of Arenas deSan Pedro. Plaza delGeneralísimo, 1. w 920 37 23 68. Church of La Asunción deNuestra Señora open from 12to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.- Cuevas del Águila. w 920 37 71 07.Open from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.and 3 to 7 p.m. (6 p.m. in winter)- Tourist Office of Candeleda.Plaza Mayor, 1.w 920 38 00 01.

Mountain Goats

OTHER PLACESOF INTEREST INTHE PROVINCE

The Amblés valley, to thesouth of the capital cityAvila, shelters attractivetowns, such asVillaviciosa, where we can admire the castlestanding right in the centerof the town, and nearby,the ruins of Ullaca, afortified settlement fromthe Iron Age. InMironcillo, we find the15th century castle ofAunqueospese.In Burgohondo, to thenorth of the Gredosmassif, we find one of themost importantRomanesque buildings inthe province, the abbey ofNuestra Señora de laAsunción. On the otherside of the mountains inthe high Tietar valley, wecan discover typicaltowns, includingPiedralves or La Adrada.And in the southeasternpart of the province, wecome across the Iruelasvalley, a Nature Reserve offorests which, amongother marvels of nature,has the largest number ofblack vultures in Europe.

USEFULINFORMATION

LODGING

The Parador de Avila,Raimundo de Borgoña,has a four–star rating andis found at Calle Marquésde Canales de Chozas, 2,in the capital city of Avila.w 920 21 13 40. Thereare three other four–starhotels and numerous otherestablishments, includinga camping site, open allyear round.In the southern part of theprovince, we find theParador de Gredos, thefirst of the Spanish Paradors.Inaugurated in 1928 byking Alfonso XIII, it islocated on the El Barraco– Béjar road at kilometer 43.w 920 34 80 48.

TRANSPORTATION INTHE CITY

Traffic is usually not aproblem in Avila. Even so,distances between mostmonuments are short andthe old quarter was notprepared for cars. Wetherefore recommendwalking while sightseeingwhen possible.Taxis are available in thecity with taxi stops locatedat the Plaza de SantaTeresa (w 920 25 08 00),on Calle de NuestraSeñora de Sonsoles(w 920 25 07 00), and atthe train station (w 920 25 09 00). Thebus station has no taxi stop.

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- Tourist Office of La Adrada.Avenida de José Antonio, 1. w 918 67 00 11.

There are two car rentalcompanies: AutomóvilesTapia, Calle de Segovia, 30.w 920 22 22 23, and AVIS, located at the busstation, w 920 25 06 69.A special sightseeingvehicle called the "TrenTurístico Murallito"operates daily from 10:30a.m. to 10 p.m. in summerand 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. inwinter through themonumental part of Avila.The ride lasts a little overa half hour. The departurepoint is located near theBasilica of San Vicente,w 609 14 28 40.

CUISINE ANDHANDICRAFTS

Good eating is everpresent in Avila, and thelocal specialties arewidely acclaimed.Particularly characteristicare the meats, roasted

gently and slowly forsucculence; milk–fedlamb, suckling pig, fineyoung beef and veal, and wing rib beef chops. Thelocal grown beans of ElBarco make a deliciousstew. The trout from theTormes river, "cocidomorañego", and theabundant and tasty coldcuts must also bementioned. "Yemas deSanta Teresa", a sweetegg–yolk candy–like cake,named after the famoussaint, are popularthroughout the province,but many towns also havetheir own local dishes.The region of Cebrerosproduces a robust, butsmooth wine with a highalcohol content,particularly suited to thecuisine.Local crafts have lostmuch of the prestige theyenjoyed in the past andtoday are now connectedwith skilled artisan workand the production ofquality articles rather thanimportant large scaleenterprises. Carved wood,textiles – essential crafts inthe past – andwicker–ware, baskets,metal objects, pottery andleather articles are readilyavailable in workshopsand other placesthroughout the province.

Local Sweets

LEISUREACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

The local newspaper is thebest source of all theactivities available inAvila. Theatrical andmusical performances areheld periodically. There are also several cinemas.Calle Vallespín, Calle SanSegundo, and Avenida dePortugal are the livelieststreets at night in the city.Also deserving specialmention are the first weekof June, the Medievalmarket, and the Ronda delas Leyendas, as well asthe activities held by theprestigious CulturalFoundation of St. Teresa incollaboration with otherinstitutions.For sports enthusiasts, theprovince of Avila offers awide variety of possibilitiesassociated with nature dueto its geographicalcharacteristics. Hiking andmountain climbing arepopular pastimes in theSierra de Gredos. Biggame hunting is alsopossible in these samemountains, and smallgame can be foundthroughout the province.Fishing is good in theTormes and Albercherivers. Water sports can bepracticed at the Burguilloreservoir, golf in Martiherrero,and skiing during the winterin Navalperal de Tormesand Zapardiel de la Ribera.

POPULAR FESTIVALS

There are three festivalsclassified of specialinterest to tourists: Holy(Easter) Week in Avila inwhich the procession of"Cristo de los Ajusticiados"is most impressive; theromería (pilgrimage to ashrine) of Nuestra Señora de Chilla en Candeledaduring the second week ofSeptember when typicalcostumes are donned forthe festival; and the Vítora San Pedro Bautista in the town of San Estebandel Valle the 5th and 11thof February and 7th and18th of July with acolorful procession ofhorses and riders.

Typical Dress

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International telephone code: 34TOURIST INFORMATION TURESPAÑA 901 300 600www.tourspain.esDelegation of Industry, Commerceand Tourism of the RegionalGovernment of Castilla and León:Plaza Fuente el Sol, 1.w 920 35 33 77, fax 920 35 20 45Provincial Tourist Board:Calle Sancho Dávila, 4.w 920 35 71 26, fax 920 35 71 36TOURIST OFFICE. Avila.Plaza de la Catedral, 4.w 920 21 13 87, fax 920 25 37 17Central Information Office forRural Tourism: w 902 20 30 30Tourist Information on the INTERNET:Web page for Avila: www.avila.netWeb page on tourism by theCastilla and León local government:www.jcyl.es/turismoTRANSPORTATION:Railway Station (RENFE).Avenida de José Antonio, 40. Avila.w 920 24 02 02. Trains departMadrid daily every 60 minutesapproximately for Avila starting at 6:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The triptakes about two hours.Bus Station. Avenida de Madrid, 2.Avila. w 920 22 01 54Daily buses depart for Avila fromthe Bus Station on Calle MéndezÁlvaro in Madrid between 7:15 a.m.and 8 p.m. w 91 530 48 00. The trip lasts about two hours.Highway Information:w 900 123 505Postal and Telegraph Services:Post Office and Telegraphs. Plaza de la Catedral, 2.w 902 19 71 97USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS:Medical Emergencies: w 061;National Police: w 091; Municipal Police: w 092; Civil Guard: w 062; Citizen Information: w 010

PARADORES DE TURISMOParador Central Reservation Office:Calle Requena, 3. 28013– Madrid.w 91 516 66 66, fax 91 516 66 57www.parador.es

Parador de Turismo of Avila:Marqués de Canales de Chozas, 2.w 920 21 13 40, fax 920 22 61 66Parador de Turismo of Gredos.Carretera El Barraco – Béjar, kilometer 43.w 920 34 80 48, fax 920 34 82 05

SPANISH TOURIST INFORMATIONOFFICES ABROAD

Canada. TorontoTourist Office of Spain2 Bloor Street West, Suite 3402TORONTO, Ontario M4W 3E2w 1416 / 961 31 31, fax 1416 / 961 19 92e-mail: toronto@tourspain.eswww.tourspain.toronto.on.caGreat Britain. LondonSpanish Tourist OfficeManchester Square, 22-23 LONDON W1M 5APw 44207/ 486 80 77, fax 44207/ 486 80 34e-mail: londres@tourspain.eswww.uk.tourspain.eswww.tourspain.co.ukJapan. TokyoTourist Office of SpainDaini Toranomon Denki Bldg.4F 3-1-10 Toranomon. Minato-Ku TOKIO-105w 813/ 34 32 61 41, fax 813/ 34 32 61 44e-mail: tokio@tourspain.eswww.spaintour.comRussia. MoscowSpanish Tourist OfficeTverskaya – 16/2. Business Center“Galeria Aktor” 6º floor MOSCÚ 103009w 7095/ 935 83 99, fax 7095 / 935 83 96e-mail: moscu@tourspain.eswww.tourspain.ruSingapore. SingaporeSpanish Tourist Office541Orchard Road Liat Tower # 09-04 238881 SINGAPOREw 657/ 37 30 08, fax 657/ 37 31 73e-mail: singapore@tourspain.es

ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF INTEREST

Avila

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MINISTERIO DE ECONOMÍA

SECRETARÍA DEESTADO DE COMERCIO Y TURISMOSECRETARÍA GENERAL DE TURISMO

TURESPAÑA

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

European Regional Development Fund