Ávila, Medieval fortified municipality in Castile and León, Spain.
Ávila is a medieval fortified city in the Province of Ávila in Castile and León. The old center lies entirely within defensive walls built from yellowish stone and punctuated by towers.
The first inhabitants were Celtic Vettones, and later the settlement grew under Roman rule. The current walls were built after the reconquest by Christian forces in the 11th century.
The town takes its name from a Celtic tribe and is closely tied to Teresa of Ávila, whose presence can be felt throughout. Churches and convents shape the cityscape and draw pilgrims and travelers interested in Spanish mysticism of the 16th century.
The city stands at over 1100 meters (around 3600 feet) in altitude, so temperatures often drop below freezing in winter. Good footwear and sun protection are advisable year-round, as the sun feels stronger at this elevation.
Visitors can walk along the ramparts and experience the entire structure from the perspective of former defenders. The circuit offers views over the surrounding pastures and the distant Sierra de Gredos mountains.
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