Avila is a medieval city founded in the 11th century, with a magnificent city wall, a historic cathedral, and a number of Ramnesque churches. For us, Avila is important because of St. Teresa de Jesus (Teresa of Avila), the 16th Century Carmelite nun who reformed her order, wrote several mystical books and was the first woman to be named a Doctor of the Church.

(1637K) 3072 x 2304		(1873K) 3072 x 2304
(1237K) 2304 x 3072	Convento de Santa Teresa.	(937K) 2304 x 3072	This 17th-century convent was built after the canonization of St. Teresa.
(1066K) 2304 x 3072	It was built over the house where she was born (1515).	(1149K) 2304 x 3072
(3143K) 3072 x 2304	The Convent of St. Teresa also contains relics of her friend and spiritual advisor, St. John of the Cross, in a small museum.	(1880K) 3072 x 2304	Church of San Juan (St. John) - the evangelist, not John of the Cross.
(1481K) 2304 x 3072		(934K) 2304 x 3072	The parish church St. Teresa's family attended until she left home to join the Carmelite Monastery at age 19.
(2485K) 3072 x 2304	Baptismal font where St. Teresa was baptized.	(1481K) 3072 x 2304
(2056K) 3072 x 2304	The Basilica de San Vicente (St. Vincent's Basilica), constructed in the gothic style, 12-14th century.	(985K) 2304 x 3072	Built on the traditional site of the martyrdom of St. Vincent at the hands of the Romans.
(2223K) 3072 x 2304	St Vincent was tortured and suffered martyrdom in the 4th century, along with his sisters, St Sabina and St Cristeta	(1133K) 2304 x 3072	Tomb of Vincent and his sisters.
(3033K) 3072 x 2304	In the crypt there is a rock said to be the site of the martyrdom.	(1418K) 3072 x 2304
(882K) 2304 x 3072	The Cathedral, dedicated to San Salvador, also 12-14th century.	(759K) 2304 x 3072	A combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
(795K) 2304 x 3072		(689K) 2304 x 3072	If the Cathedral looks like a castle, its because it is, with battlements and sentry walks incorporated into the structure
(1416K) 3072 x 2304

Return to World Youth Day 2011