If you want to visit a place that would allow you a time-travel back to a bygone era, then Avila is the name to count on. As you explore the silent and sombre walls of Avila, you can feel walking into a different time frame with the rich stillness around. The historical ramparts today fortify several historic sites that include the medieval convents, Romanesque churches and the Renaissance palaces. And if you want to explore this place at a discounted price rate, then you can opt in for the very cheap international flight tickets that are available from airfarenetwork.com.

Avila is replete with stunning monuments as well as an Old World ambience that makes it getting listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also it is one of the most interesting cities in Spain. All through the ancient medieval period, Avila has been alternating between the Christian and the Moorish reign till the Reconquest by Alfonso VI back in 1085. There were noble families who had settled here at the start of the 11th century. With several elegant palaces, this Town was known as “Avila of the Nobles”. However, Avila’s real heyday was back in the 16th century, a time when the mystical spirit of Santa Teresa de Jesus transformed this place as a vital pilgrimage destination. The natural backdrop here too is equally impressive as this town is situated on a high plateau that is covered by Sierra Gredos Mountains. So once you know where to opt in your very cheap international flight tickets from you can start making the list of tourist sites that you would want to visit. Here are the best three sites that you shouldn’t miss!

Catedral de San Salvador
http://catedralavila.vocces.com/
This spectacular monument holds the distinction of being Spain’s oldest Gothic cathedral. One of the most visible landmarks in Avila, the cathedral is integrated into the ancient town wall. Construction of the cathedral was begun in 1091 in Romanesque style, but the building wasn’t completed until the 14th century and the dominant architectural style is Gothic. The enormous granite structure has a fortress-like aspect. Notice the figural decoration on the Apostles’ Doorway on the north facade that dates from the 15th century. One of the most noteworthy features in the interior is the white and red granite stonework that dates back to the ancient building phase. There are other elements to notice such as the 15th century stained glass windows at the transepts along with the rich carved choir stalls that have reliefs in Plateresque design. However make sure that you take time to have a look at the stunning altarpiece by the Plateresque in the Capila Mayor in addition to the popular paintings by Juan de Borgoña and Pedro Berruguete. Furthermore, the Capilla de San Antolín is well-known for its stunning retablo. A very interesting monument to El Tostado by Vasco de la Zarza is found at the ambulatory. A group of alabaster sculptures by Pedro de Salamanca and Isidro Villoldo has also been showcased.

Real Monasterio de Santo Tomas
http://www.monasteriosantotomas.com/
This Dominican monastery of Santo Tomas is located external to the town walls and creates a serene setting. With the endowment from Isabella and Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand, the Royal Monastery of Saint Thomas was founded back on 1483 by the Tomas de Torquemada and Maria Davila, who was the very first Grand Inquisitor of Spain. The monastery was used by Catholic Monarchs as a summer palace. Furthermore, the church facade has a rather prosaic outlook and inside this place is sombre, apart from the high altar and choir that features carved walls in rich designs. The tribunals of inquisitions had once met the choir and the Catholic Monarchs had attended the mass that seated in the choir. There is also a high altar that showcases a stunning retablo, which is a superb art pieces by Pedro de Berruguete demonstrating scenes about the life of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Despite of its great history, this monastery is a place of calmness with three stunning cloisters – the very serene Cloister of Silence, Cloister of Novices and the Royal Cloister. So make sure after you’ve booked your very cheap international flight tickets you add this site to your sightseeing activity list.

Murallas (Town Walls)
http://muralladeavila.com/en/
The historical walls that still enclose the center of the old town is said to be the excellent ones that has been preserved in Spain. Post the Christian Reconquest of Avila, the remains have become a major line of security against the Moors. It was Raimundo de Borgoña, son-in-law of Alfonso VI that had established the huge circuit of walls in between 1090 and 1099. Being rectangular in shape and following the circumference of the entire town, the area expands as much as 2557 meters. The towering stone walls were designed ideally in a way to secure the city from all kinds of external attacks. This showcases an average height of 12 meters alongside the crenellated towers and the circular turrets that is placed after 20 meters in order to be able to have a look at the oncoming invaders. Here there were 9 entrance gates that gave access to the city. The most stunning gates is the Puerta del Alcázar and the Puerta de San Vicente, that integrates the repurposed Roman era stones. In between these two gates there is the apse of the cathedral. Better known as the Ciborro, this cathedral’s tower takes charge of a part of the town’s defence. Next to the Puera Del Camen that is on the northern corner of the town there is a tall slender tower that has stork nests on the top. In addition to all these, the visitors here can also opt in for the self-guided walking tour of the wall at Puerta del Carmen, by taking the steps that leads to the walking path.

Add these three tourist sites and you can absorb the essence of Avila. So now book your very cheap international flight tickets from airfarenetwork.com say yes to a wonderful vacation in this old town.

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