Basilica de San Vicente, Avila 
View of San Vicente from the city walls. Photo
Zahorí.
Facade of San Vicente under stormy skies. Photo
J. Gállego.
San Vicente from south at sunset. Photo
Hannah Swithinbank.
Basilica de San Vicente by night. Photo
Jorge González.
Romanesque west front of San Vicente. Photo
Jorge González.
Romanesque carvings of the central portal. Photo
Jorge González.
Detail of portal figures. Photos
Jorge González and Andrea Kirkby.
Romanesque vaults of the nave. Photo
Andrea Kirkby.
The Basilica de San Vicente (St. Vincent's Basilica) is an interesting Romanesque church just outside the walls of Ávila.
History
The Basilica de San Vicente stands on the traditional site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent at the hands of the Romans.
According to legend, a rich Jew laughed at the saint's execution, but afterwards he was nearly suffocated by a serpent that emerged miraculously from the rocks. He repented, converted, and built a church on the site.
The Basilica de San Vicente that stands today dates from the 12th century and is mostly Romanesque in style.
What to See
The 12th-century portals and portico of the Basilica de San Vicente are fine examples of Romanesque architecture. The interior is also Romanesque but with some later additions.
The basilica has three very high naves and three apses. The large nave has a triforium covered by a dome with Gothic fan-vaulting; the apses have pipe and bowl domes. The domes are supported by large cruciform pillars on cylindrical plinths.
The capitals are finely decorated with plant motifs as well as animals from griffins, lions, elephants, snakes, birds, wolves, and storks to fantastic creatures, centaurs, mermaids or human figures.
The tomb of San Vicente is sculpted with the gory events of the saint's torture and execution and in the crypt there is a rock said to be the site of the martyrdom and where the serpent appeared.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Basilica de San Vicente; Basilica of St. Vincent |
| Dedicated to: | St. Vincent |
| Location: | Avila, Castile and Leon, Spain |
| Category: | Churches; World Heritage Sites |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 12th-14th century |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
| Features: | Romanesque Sculpture |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 40.657942° N, 4.695947° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Plaza de San Vicente, Avila, Spain |
| Hours: | Daily 10am-2pm and 4-6:30pm |
| Cost: | €1.40 |
Travel Resources
- Avila Map - our detailed interactive map of Avila, plus hand-picked links to more
- Avila Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Avila Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Avila Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Avila tourism
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Basilica de San Vicente. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Avila Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- The Rough Guide to Spain 11, p. 179.
- The Romanesque - Avila Tourism
- St. Vincent - Catholic Encyclopedia
Article last updated: 07/19/2009.
