The urban structure and the inscriptions and remains of the Roman cemetery, which merge with the stones of the medieval walls.
I should also point out the importance of the architecture that arose after the resettlement that started in 1088, when Alfonso VI of Castile finally conquered Toledo and moved the border with his enemies the Moors back to the River Tajo. This involved the arrival of Christians from north of the River Duero and even further abroad, as well as Jews and Mozarabs, who came here to start a new life, thereby making Ávila one of the Kingdom of Castile’s largest cities. Those centuries of knights and villains, Jews, Moors and Christians, gave rise to beautiful legends that are still evoked among its tranquil and sober stones.
That is when construction began on its beautiful churches, most of which reflect a sober Romanesque style, and on what, with the passing of time, would become the symbol of the city, its walls. Although originally conceived for defensive purposes, they would later attain the status of a work of art. The city of Ávila is the best example of a walled city from medieval Spain. Within the walls and in thesurrounding neighbourhoods, its churches, convents, monumental buildings and urban structure of narrow, winding streets make this Castilian city one of those redoubts in the Iberian Peninsula that most clearly express the history of Spain and Europe’s medieval lifestyle.
During the 16th century, Ávila was the setting of very important events: the “Junta de Comuneros” was held here and the “Comunidades” war was organised here. |
The great saint from Ávila, Teresa of Jesus, was born, educated and converted here, thereafter beginning her reformative work and writings. The mystic and magnificent poet, St. John of the Cross, the patron saint of Spanish-speaking writers, began his work here, having been born in Fontiveros. This was where the famous Renaissance musician Tomás Luis de Victoria was brought up and educated. Great artists left their creative mark on Ávila.
The city’s Golden Age saw the undertaking of numerous civil engineering projects, such as piped water, lighting, paving… Also at that time, noble families beautified the streets and squares, renovating their palatial houses with a sober and very elegant Renaissance style. These and many other events made the 16th century a period of political, religious, cultural and artistic splendour.
In Ávila we can follow the passing of time by visiting the churches erected starting from the 17th century, during a period of decline, and becoming acquainted with the first efforts to revive the city in the mid-19th century: the railway, the setting up of schools and institutes, such as the “Normal de Maestros” and the “Academia de Administración Militar”, were projects implemented at that time to provide the city with a better future. Today, Ávila is a city of contrasts: apart from the magnificent heritage that defines and exalts it, and which led to it being declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1985, we find a 21st-century city that is working and striving to define its future; Ávila sinks its roots in the past and raises its branches towards the future.
Sonsoles Guillén Ruiz – Ayúcar
Municipal Archivist of Ávila City Council. |