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Catedral de Ávila

8 Plaza de la Catedral, Ávila, Castilla y León

Description

The Catedral de Ávila or Cathedral of the Saviour was designed as a fortress church, part of the wall of the apse's ambulatory is even embedded in the defensive walls surrounding the city. Construction started in the 12th century in Romanesque style but it was extended in stages until the 15th century, thus including many Gothic elements. The highlights include the sculpted north gate, the walnut choir stalls, the plateresque retrochoir, and the massive main altarpiece (begun by Pedro Berruguete). There is also a Diocesan museum located in the sacristies.

Access & Transport

The church is located in the centre of town, adjacent to the western side of the defensive walls. Avila is 110km west of Madrid (train takes 90mins from Principe Pio station) and Salamanca is 105km to the northwest (65mins by train)

Instructions & Recommendations

There is a supplement of €3 to climb the tower

Meta review

Listed as one of the highlights of Avila in travel guides, the cathedral gets solid but not exceptional reviews; many visitors find the pricing to be on the high side considering the content. In fact, online reviewers do enjoy the multitude of artworks but not all of them are top tier; the stalls of the choir and the frieze of the entrance portal clearly detach themselves as favourites. Thumbs up for the audio-guide option for children.

Environmental & Social

No carbon footprint. Part of the town's artistic and architectural heritages

Conclusion

Clearly worth visiting for tourists already planning to be in Avila, unless you are suffering from church fatigue, but not amazing enough to justify a dedicated drive. Those who enjoy refined wood and stone carvings should not miss it.

Key positive

Plenty of artworks

Originality of blending partially with the city walls

Key negative

Slightly expensive

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (except the tower). No religious denomination restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission 30mins before closing

av. transport time:0h 10m

est. visit time:0h 50m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 21:00

Tuesday10:00 - 21:00

Wednesday10:00 - 21:00

Thursday10:00 - 21:00

Friday10:00 - 21:00

Saturday10:00 - 21:00

Sunday12:30 - 21:00

Pricing
This includes the audio-guide
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7
Adult
18 - 64
€8
Teen & Young
12 - 17
€5.5
Child
3 - 11
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Price for students up to 25 years is 5.50€.

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