Not many places in the world have been described as truly magical.
But featuring a cornucopia of cobbled streets, unique churches, mouth-watering cuisine all mixed with a peaceful tranquility, you will find this European gem and it’s magical.
Ávila is the capital of the Spanish province of the same name located in the hillside country northwest of Madrid.
Ávila is synonymous with the image of its city walls, constructed in the 12th century and owing to its fairytale portrayal.
These such walls rise from the barren sun-baked Spanish plains as if resembling a magical moment straight out of a fairytale.
And in modern times, Ávila’s 1,000 legacy still remains, being the crown of the town, completely encircling its preserved region.
Throughout the region, scatterings of Romanesque and Gothic churches remain with a walkway 1,700 metres long taking you on top of the iconic Ávila city walls.
These momentous walls are open to the public providing blissful views of the cathedral, the Plaza del Mercado Grande including the countryside around the city, all well worth the walk.
Owing to its fairytale allure are these medieval Spanish city walls which make it even more poignant when it looks right out of something from a fairytale with its floodlights at night.
Saint Teresa de Jesús’s rumoured presence throughout the city is said to be another factor for Ávila’s mystical charm with a variety of statues in her honour.
“Know that sand castles and towns encircled with walls you make on the beach playing with kids? Well, here in Avila they’re real,” explained one intrepid traveller on TripAdvisor.
Another added: “Las Murallas de Avila was an unexpected treat to me and my wife and I discovered during a day trip to Segovia and Avila this past spring. I didn’t realise that Spain had a walled medieval city like Avila.
“The walls are very well preserved. The size of Avila is much larger than what I usually envision as a small walled village in Europe.”
With an impressive perimeter of 2.5 kilometers, 87 towers, and 9 gates, the wall of Avila and the region itself is a must-see.
London to Ávila train services are operated by Eurostar and depart from London St Pancras Intl station.
