Castile–Leon and Castile–La Mancha
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Castile–Leon and Castile–La Mancha - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Catedral de Ávila
The battlement apse of Ávila's cathedral forms the most impressive part of the city's walls. Entering the town gate to the right of the apse, you can reach the sculpted north portal by turning left and walking a few steps. The west portal, flanked by 18th-century towers, is notable for the crude carvings of hairy male figures on each side. Known as "wild men," these figures appear in many Castilian palaces of this period. The Transitional Gothic structure, with its granite nave, is considered to be the first Gothic cathedral in Spain. Look for the early-16th-century marble sepulchre of Bishop Alonso de Madrigal. Known as El Tostado ("the Toasted One") for his swarthy complexion, the bishop was a tiny man of enormous intellect. When on one occasion Pope Eugenius IV ordered him to stand—mistakenly thinking him to still be on his knees—the bishop pointed to the space between his eyebrows and hairline, and retorted, "A man's stature is to be measured from here to here!"
Pl. de la Catedral s/n, Ávila, Castille and León, 05001, Spain92-021–1641Sight Details
Rate Includes: €8 -
2. Basílica de San Vicente
Where this massive Romanesque basilica stands, it's said that St. Vincent was martyred in 303 AD with his sisters, Sts. Sabina and Cristeta. Construction began in 1130, though the complex was restored in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The west front, shielded by a vestibule, displays damaged but expressive carvings depicting the death of Lazarus and the parable of the rich man's table. The sarcophagus of St. Vincent forms the centerpiece of the interior. The extraordinary Eastern-influenced canopy above the sarcophagus is a 15th-century addition. Combined, these elements form one of Spain's most prized examples of Romanesque architecture.
Pl. de San Vicente 6, Ávila, Castille and León, 05001, Spain92-025–5230Sight Details
Rate Includes: €3, free Sun. -
3. Casa de los Deanes
This 15th-century building houses the cheerful Museo Provincial de Ávila, full of local archaeology and folklore. Part of the museum's collection is housed in the adjacent Romanesque temple of San Tomé el Viejo, a few minutes' walk east of the cathedral apse.
Pl. de Nalvillos 3, Ávila, Castille and León, 05001, Spain92-021–1003Sight Details
Rate Includes: €1, free Sat. and Sun., Closed Mon. -
4. Convento de Santa Teresa
This Carmelite convent was founded in the 17th century on the site of the St. Teresa's birthplace. Teresa's account of an ecstatic vision, in which an angel pierced her heart, inspired many baroque artists, most famously the Italian sculptor Giovanni Bernini. There's a small museum with creepy relics, including one of Teresa's fingers. You can also see the small and rather gloomy garden where she played as a child.
Pl. de la Santa 2, Ávila, Castille and León, 05001, Spain92-021–1030Sight Details
Rate Includes: Church and reliquary free, museum €2, Museum closed Mon. -
5. Real Monasterio de Santo Tomás
In an unlikely location—among apartment blocks a good 10-minute walk from the walls—is one of the most important religious institutions in Castile. The monastery was founded by Fernando and Isabel with the backing of Inquisitor-General Tomás de Torquemada, largely responsible for the expulsion of the Jews per the Alhambra Decree, who is buried in the sacristy. Further funds were provided by the confiscated property of converted Jews who were dispossessed during the Inquisition. Three decorated cloisters lead to the church; inside, a masterful high altar (circa 1506) by Pedro Berruguete overlooks a serene marble tomb by the Italian artist Domenico Fancelli. One of the earliest examples of the Italian Renaissance style in Spain, this work was built for Prince Juan, the only son of Fernando and Isabel, who died at 19. After Juan's burial here, his heartbroken parents found themselves unable to return.
Pl. de Granada 1, Ávila, Castille and León, 05003, Spain92-022–0400Sight Details
Rate Includes: €4 -
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