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Medieval Walls

Cathedral
Ávila
Castilla y León

Type: Sightseeing

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Medieval Walls are rarely far from sight. The walls were likely constructed around the turn of the 12th century while the self-proclaimed “Emperor of all Spain,” King Alfonso VI, was busily reconsolidating the Castilian regions from the Moors. The walls, actually one continuous expanse, wrap around the city for a length of 2½ km (1½ miles), with a total of nine gates, 88 watchtowers and well over 2,000 turrets. Standing beneath them, it’s easy to understand why the Moors never made another attempt to reclaim the city. They are over 12 m (39 feet) high and originally would have had sentries walking the top perimeter day and night. Nowadays tourists can walk only along one portion near the Puerta del Alcázar. From this vantage point, the ancient city and the peaks of the Sierra de Gredos are picture-perfect. The entrance steps are next to the Cathedral, which is also part of the fortified wall. Open Tues.-Sun. 11 am-1:30 pm and 5-7:30 pm; closed afternoons during the winter.
Last updated January 19, 2008
Posted in   Spain  |  Ávila
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