Revolving Around the Beauty of Architecture: Eyes on Spain

Stop: Ávila, Castile and León Ávila is a city where history rises from the earth in stone, its defining feature being the magnificent medieval walls that encircle it almost completely intact. Stretching over 2.5 kilometers with 88 towers and nine gates, the walls are among the best-preserved in Europe, standing as a powerful symbol of Spain’s defensive architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Inside the walls, Ávila unfolds as a city of Romanesque and Gothic beauty. The cathedral, partially built into the fortifications themselves, is a striking blend of fortress and church, while cobbled streets lead to plazas, convents, and palaces that tell stories of faith and nobility. The city is closely linked to Saint Teresa of Ávila, whose legacy can be felt in the convents and churches dedicated to her spiritual influence. What makes Ávila extraordinary is the atmosphere created by its architecture—an impression of stepping back into the Middle Ages while still alive with local life. For travelers fascinated by history and stone craftsmanship, this stop offers one of Spain’s most evocative encounters with medieval heritage. #mytraveldiary