Ávila Cathedral, Ávila, Spain

The Cathedral of Ávila has Romanesque and Gothic architectural traditions. It was planned as a cathedral-fortress, its apse being one of the turrets of the city walls. It is surrounded by a number of houses or palaces.

It is not known exactly when the construction of the Cathedral began, there being two theories. One states that Alvar García started its construction in 1091 inside the remains of the Church of the Saviour, which was in ruins as a result of successive Muslim attacks, and that Alfonso VI of Castile raised the money necessary to build it. Other historians believe the Cathedral to be the work of the maestro Fruchel in the 12th century coinciding with the repopulation of Castille led by Raymond of Burgundy.

Of the 13th century are the first stages of the towers and aisles and of the 14th century the second stage of the towers, the cloister, the vaults and the flying buttresses. Already in the 15th century the cathedral was complete and in 1475 Juan Guas built the mechanical clock.

The Cathedral of Ávila is considered by its age (12th century), along with the Cathedral of Cuenca, as the first two Gothic cathedrals in Spain. It shows French influences and great resemblances to the Abbey Church of St Denis, the first European Gothic church.

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User Reviews

Humberto Dapelo (2 years ago)
The Cathedral of Ávila in Madrid is a sublime masterpiece that stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and spiritual grandeur. This awe-inspiring structure, surrounded by the medieval charm of Ávila, captivates visitors with its imposing Gothic design and intricate details. As you approach the cathedral, the towering spires and ornate facades create a sense of reverence, inviting you into a sacred space. Once inside, the cathedral's interior unfolds with breathtaking stained glass windows, finely carved altars, and a serene atmosphere that resonates with history. The craftsmanship displayed in every corner is a testament to the dedication of those who built this sacred haven. The Cathedral of Ávila not only serves as a religious landmark but also as a cultural treasure, offering a profound and enriching experience for those who appreciate the intersection of art, history, and spirituality in the heart of Avila.

Elisabetta Borzini (2 years ago)
Absolutely brilliant visit and a great day trip! We unfortunately started off too early and pretty much arrived at 10 in a ghost town (Spain starts life a little later!), so make sure you take your sweet time -and if you drive from Madrid perhaps don’t take the highway, which is less scenic than driving through the small villages!

Dr. Olena Berezovska (2 years ago)
You can walk around the old Avila district in a day. There are a lot of cathedrals, museums, and other amazing places here. Catedral de San Salvador is one of them. Strict architecture, but this simplicity and stone and wood carvings make this place unique. An audio guide will help you learn the history of this place.

Hector Gonzalez (2 years ago)
One of the oldest Spain cathedrals is located in well preserved Avila fortress wall town is like going back in the time in this medieval time.

Geoffrey Berg (2 years ago)
Ávila is a lovely if sleepy town and the cathedral was definitely a highlight, we stayed overnight on our way between Toledo and Salamanca and loved the walled city and the stone carvings in the cathedral here were some of the most beautiful on our trip.

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Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

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There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

Ávila Cathedral

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