Avila, a UNESCO world heritage site, was once part of the Roman Lusitania, before falling to Arab and Berber invaders in 714 CE. For the next three and a half centuries the northern Iberian Christian kingdoms tried repeatedly to seize control of the city, but it was King Alfonso VI of Leon and Castile, who eventually managed to conquer the Muslims in 1088 ADE. The King immediately started building a great stone wall around Avila to protect his latest conquest from further attacks. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Cathedral is the oldest of gothic style in Spain and its facade is also adorned with baroque elements.Built of brown granite in 1090, the nine gateways and some 88 massive towers remain in superb condition. The Gothic Cathedral of Avila was integrated into the walls between the 12th and 16th centuries, looking as much like a fortress as a church.
Once inside the walls, walk around the medieval cobbled streets to meet renaissance mansions and palaces. The Palace of Los Dávila, with its famous renaissance windows, is the most impressive construction, bearing four houses. Among the churches in Ávila, the one dedicated to Santa Teresa de Jesus has special importance, as she is the patron of the city – being born, raised and converted there. The place also houses de Convent of Santa Teresa and was built over the house where the saint was born.