The ancient city of Avila , declared "Heritage of Mankind", keeps the oldest and most complete walled environment within its 1.5 mile ( 2.5 kilometer ) circular wall, and has 90 semicircular towers dating back to the 12th century. The Walls, "LAS MURALLAS", are one of the best example of Romanesque military architecture in Spain and a unique model of mediaeval European architecture.

A visit to this monument may be made by travelling its perimeter, its nine large doors and its three smaller doors. In our tour we learn that its walls adapt to the topography of the terrain, that its stretches and towers rise in the flatter areas, and become smaller when the terrain is hillier. The Mudejar style brick friezes and the brick edgings show us that Mudejar and Morisco master builders were involved in its construction. Walls, battlements and round towers tell us of the repairs and restorations that throughout its history have been necessary for its conservation. All citizens of Avila participated in its conservation, irrespective of their religion or social status, including all knights who made the rounds, the citizens and "good men" stood guard, the peasant farmers brought the necessary materials and cleaned the moat, the Muslims lent a hand and the Jews provided the iron.

Our visit will be complete once we reach the bailey, which will soon be accessible by means of an elevator installed in the house Casa de las Carnicerías which will be start working next September . This 16 th century building is planned to be housing a Tourist Office, too, where an adapted toilet will be available.

Some 1.700 metres from the total 2.542 along The Walls bailey could be visited and walked on, and most of them will be accessible for wheelchair users/PRM as works on the pavement, handrails and other safety equipment is placed.

There's a form to request information about the accessibility and accessible facilities available in monuments, hotels, restaurants, etc.. at the official tourist information website of the city: http://www.avilaturismo.com/contact/accesibility-information

Oficina de Turismo
Centro de Recepción de Visitantes
Avda. de Madrid, 39
05001 - Ávila
Tel: +34 920 22 59 69
Fax: +34 920 25 42 00
http://www.avilaturismo.com

 

Rebecca Arce