5Ávila, Spain
Ávila is famous for having one of Europe’s most spectacular medieval defensive systems. Its enormous stone walls completely surround much of the historic city, creating an extraordinary skyline of towers and battlements.
Built primarily in the 12th century, the walls stretch for more than two kilometers and include numerous towers and gates. One of the best ways to appreciate Ávila is to walk along the elevated sections of the fortifications and look across the old city and surrounding Castilian countryside.
Inside the walls, historic churches, palaces and quiet streets reveal another side of this fascinating Spanish town.
