Ávila Cathedral
The fortress-like cathedral from the city walls. Photo: Manuel M. Vicente.
Portal and missing tower of the facade. Photo by Jim Forest.
The Romanesque and Gothic sections. Photo by Gustavo Marin.
Mass at Avila Cathedral. Photo by Jim Forest.
Finely carved wooden choir stalls. Photo by Gustavo Marin.
The 12th-century Ávila Cathedral is a strong, fortress-like structure that adjoins the massive walls for which the city of Ávila is famed.
History
Construction on Ávila Cathedral began in 1095 shortly after the Reconquest. The earliest parts were in the Romanesque style and built like a fortress—the apse (the "Cimorro") actually forms an integral part of the city walls.
Dedicated to San Salvador, Ávila Cathedral is truly a cathedral-castle, with battlements and sentry walks incorporated into the structure. It's not just for looks, either—in the 12th century, Bishop Sancho provided sanctuary here for the young Alfonso IX, prior to his accession as king.
Most of the cathedral that can be seen today was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. During this time, the trend moved from Romanesque to Gothic styles, and the transition can be clearly seen in the interior.
What to See
Above the main entrance to the cathedral is a missing tower, evidence that the cathedral remains unfinished.
Inside, visitors can see the change from Romanesque to Gothic in action — the earlier, Romanesque parts are made of a red-and-white mottled stone, while the Gothic main structure is made of pure white stone. The newer half of the cathedral seems far more spacious, but the proportions are exactly the same.
The coro (choir) and two chapels in the left aisle are Renaissance additions. The fine carved stalls of the choir are the work of a Dutch sculptor, Cornelius. Here also is the elaborate marble tomb of a 15th-century bishop known as El Tostado (the "swarthy").
Other highlights of the interior include the 13th-century sacristy, with a star-shaped cupola and gold inlay decor, and the treasury, with a huge silver monstrance and ancient religious icons.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Catedral; Ávila Cathedral; Cathedral of San Salvador |
| Type of site: | Cathedral |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic |
| Dates: | 12th-14th century |
| Location: | Ávila, Spain |
| Hours: | Summer: Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun noon-7; winter: Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-6, Sun noon-6. Closed: Jan 1, Jan 6, Oct 15, Dec 25 |
| Cost: | €3 |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Ávila Cathedral. 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 Ávila Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- A Cathedral-Fortress - Avila Tourism
- The Rough Guide to Spain 11, pp. 178-79.
Travel Resources
- Ávila Interactive Map - Sacred Destinations
- Ávila Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Ávila Travel Forum - TripAdvisor
