The cathedral of Ávila, considered the first Gothic cathedral in Spain, was also designed as a fortress, its apse occupying one of the towers of the famous wall. It presides over a series of stately homes and palaces, the most important of which are La Velada, El Rey Niño and Valderrábanos.
The Cathedral of Ávila, considered the first Gothic cathedral in Spain.
Most of them have been converted into hotels. While the exterior is more in the Gothic style, the interior reflects various architectural trends. The adjacent chapels and the tops of the towers are said to be the result of successive works carried out between the 13th and 16th centuries. Financial concerns accompanied the building of this cathedral from the beginning, which is why its construction lasted almost three centuries. One of its towers is still unfinished.
The breathtaking view from the window of our hotel.
And when we were asked if we wanted to take a guided tour to the cathedral's bell tower, located in this famous unfinished tower, we obviously said yes. And here we are again climbing the steps!
The ascent can seem hard for those who are not used to regular physical activity (which is not our case), but don't worry: you will be able to breathe during the stops planned in some rooms, where explanations of the places are given.
Practical information: the price of the entrance ticket is reasonable: 6 €/person, audio-guide included + 2 € for the guided tour of the tower.
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