Ávila, Spain Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Ávila

Ávila with its famous town walls

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Nickname(s):

Ávila de los Caballeros, Ávila del Rey, Ávila de los Leales

Motto(s):

Una ciudad para todos... (A town for everyone...)

Ávila, Spain

Location in Spain

Country

Spain

Autonomous community

Castile and León

Province

Ávila

Area

• Land

231.9 km² (89.5 sq mi)

Elevation

1,132 m (3,714 ft)

Population

(2011)

• Total

58,245

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal code

05001 - 05006

Area code(s)

34 (Spain) + 920 (Ávila)

Website

http://www.avila.es

Ávila is a historic city in Castile and León, a region in central Spain. It is the capital city of the Province of Ávila. About 58,245 people lived here in 2010. Ávila is famous for its amazing medieval walls that completely surround the old town. It is also known for its many churches and convents.

What Makes Ávila Special?
Life in Ávila Today
- What is the City Like?
  - What Can You Do?
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What Makes Ávila Special?

Ávila is a very unique city, especially because of its well-preserved ancient walls. These walls are so important that they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Famous Walls of Ávila

The city of Ávila is most famous for its incredible medieval walls. These walls were built in the 11th century. They are one of the best examples of medieval walls in Europe.

How Big Are the Walls?

The walls are about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. They have 87 towers and 9 gates. You can even walk along parts of the walls and see great views of the city and the countryside.

Why Were the Walls Built?

The walls were built to protect the city. They kept invaders out during medieval times. They show how important Ávila was as a military stronghold long ago.

Ávila's Rich History

Ávila has a long and interesting history. People have lived here since ancient times.

Who Lived in Ávila?

Romans: The Romans were here first. You can still find some old Roman remains.
Moors: Later, the Moors (from North Africa) ruled the city.
Christians: In the 11th century, Christian kings took control of Ávila. They built the famous walls.

Saint Teresa of Ávila

Ávila is also known as the city of Saint Teresa. She was a very important Spanish nun and writer. She lived in the 16th century.

Who Was Saint Teresa?

Saint Teresa was a key figure in the Catholic Church. She started many new convents and wrote important books about faith. Her home city, Ávila, has several places connected to her life.

Where Can You Learn About Her?

The Convent of Santa Teresa is built on the site where she was born. It is a popular place for visitors.

Important Buildings and Landmarks

Besides the walls, Ávila has many other beautiful and historic buildings.

The Cathedral of Ávila

The Cathedral of Ávila is a very old and impressive church. It started as a fortress and then became a cathedral. It has a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Basilica of San Vicente

The Basilica of San Vicente is another important church. It is a great example of Romanesque architecture. It stands outside the city walls.

Los Cuatro Postes

Just outside the city, there is a monument called Los Cuatro Postes. It means "The Four Posts." It offers a fantastic panoramic view of the walled city. It's a popular spot for photos.

Life in Ávila Today

Today, Ávila is a quiet city. It is known for its history and religious sites. Tourism is important here. People come from all over the world to see the walls and learn about Saint Teresa.

What is the City Like?

Ávila is a peaceful place. It has narrow, winding streets inside the walls. It feels like stepping back in time. The city is also known for its cold winters because it is high up in the mountains.