Avila, Castilla y Leon
Avila, Castilla y Leon - Overview:
Avila is a haven for history lovers and a nature lover's paradise. It is a beautiful, historic town, entirely enclosed by impressive Romanesque walls and is probably the best preserved walled city in the world. Romanesque churches are found in all parts of Avila province, along with powerful-looking, challenging ruined castles.
Avila, Castilla y Leon - Geography:
The province of Avila lies against the huge mountain chain of the Gredos Sierra in the east of the province of Madrid. It has a surface area of over 8,000 km.sq.
Gredos has a decisive bearing on the province and forms three valleys of fertile lands, three worlds with different sceneries: the valley of the Tormes, the one of the Alberche on the northern side, and the one of the Tietar in the lovely sun-trap area of the south. Lush vegetation grows on the slopes; over the forest of pine, oak and holm oak tower bare, rugged peaks.
The fierce mountain scenery gives way to a milder landscape on the way north, until you reach the plains and the geological ruins at Madrigal and Arevalo. These villages nestle at the foot of the rock walls, in the shadow of the forests and along the banks of the rivers. Madrigal and Arevalo, along with the all-engulfing solitude of the plain, capture the essence and spirit of Castile - built as they were on great heights to stand over barren land or watch a far-ranging horizon.
Avila, Castilla y Leon - History:
Avila's history has always featured heroic deeds and military feats with deeply religious beliefs and mystic tendencies: Santa Teresa de Jesus and San Juan da la Cruz, the two great saints of Avila, helped to shape its customs and traditions.
Avila, Castilla y Leon - City Walls:
Avila's walls, which form an impressive monument, are rectangular in shape, with a perimeter of about two and a half kilometres, standing some two metres high and three metres wide. The walls are reinforced by ninety stout turrets, at intervals of roughly twenty five metres.
The most important wall is the one called Cimorro or Cathedral apse. It has nine gates, each of them opening between strong turrets. The most outstandingly monumental gates here are those of San Vicente and the Alcazar.
Avila, Castilla y Leon - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Castilla y Leon (including Burgos, Leon City, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora) at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Castilla y Leon and Central Spain.
So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeingin Castille; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Leon City; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.
Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.
