Throughout Spain, the remains of medieval times attract us and we love them and visiting Ávila is no exception. Many consider it a sacred place and one of
the oldest and most beautiful cities in Spain, especially for the Medieval Market of Ávila . The city is an intense and different travel experience, anyone who loves Spain, medieval history and architecture, should visit it.
The old city of Ávila is surrounded by imposing walls that include eight monumental gates, 88 watchtowers and more than 2,500 towers , it is one of the best preserved medieval bastions in Spain. In winter, when an icy wind whistles across the plains, the old city huddles behind high stone walls as if seeking protection from the harsh Castilian climate. At night, when the walls are illuminated with a magical effect, you will wonder if you are in a fairy tale. It is a deeply religious city that for centuries has attracted pilgrims to the cult of Santa Teresa de Ávila, with its many churches, convents and high-walled palaces. As such, Ávila is the essence of Castilla and the center of old Spain.
Relive the past with the Medieval Market of Ávila
The Medieval Market of Ávila is held during the first week of September , this event allows us to go back to medieval times and fill its streets with maidens and knights. The medieval heritage and the historic center of the city ensure that these festivals can take place without the need to install additional decorations, using the wall and its monuments as elements for the vast majority of scheduled activities.
During the 3 days that the Avila Medieval Market lasts, events for all ages are held , including knight tournaments, medieval concerts, stilt walkers, parades, plays, juggling, acrobatics and falconry exhibitions . In addition, other activities are carried out that fill a great program that takes place in different parts of the city and that has a program where the schedule of each of the activities of this Medieval Market of Ávila can be found.
Activities and medieval tasting stalls
From Madrid capital, Ávila is located just an hour or so by car, so you can get there around 11 in the morning and thus avoid crowds when parking. The ideal is not to do it in the old case, but to look for parking around the wall.
As soon as you arrive you will find the entire wall of Ávila adorned with medieval motifs. And inside the old town, you will find yourself fully in the Middle Ages, with endless activities and a multitude of craft, spice, sausage and cheese stalls.
Within the Atrio San Isidro area, a medieval tournament is held by specialists that attracts a large number of audiences, so it is advisable to be there before it starts to be able to take a good place and enjoy the show well.
For lunch, you can stop at the different medieval market stalls and eat some tapas, or look for a restaurant to taste some of the typical dishes of Ávila such as the Ávila ribeye or the famous potatoes revolconas. In some places they have tasting menus. As always, try to avoid rush hours or reserve a table in advance at a restaurant.
In the afternoon you can go to the Jardines de San Vicente where there is an exhibition of archers from Avila by categories . When the event ends, multitudes of archers climb the walls and shoot a large number of arrows towards the public, obviously the tip of the arrow is protected with a foam rubber and can be kept as a souvenir by those who manage to catch them.
During the night, the charm of the Medieval Market of Ávila focuses on the lights and beautiful streets of the old town , which will take you to visit the market stalls and stalls again.
At 12 in the morning of Saturday the Medieval Days of the city of Ávila begin with the traditional proclamation of the mayor. Every year the Medieval Market of Ávila increases the number of free activities with more than 80 daily events and with the idea of being one of the most visited cities internationally at that time. In the programming appear European companies that travel to Spain for the first time, new musical groups and firsts in the jousting and gentlemen tournaments, the puppet of a giant 4-meter-high camel that runs through the historic center of the city is also repeated. .
In short, if you want to know the city in a friendly and close environment, the Medieval Market of Ávila is a unique opportunity.
