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The new-born infant, daughter of Henry IV of Castile and Joanna of Portugal, soon became known as Joanna ‘la Beltraneja’ as rumours ran rife that the father was not King Henry, but Beltrán de la Cueva. This led to a series of power struggles and conflict in the Court regarding the rightful successor to the throne, spurred by the influential noble families of the day, eager to gain power and influence. The result was a confrontation between King Henry and Prince Alphonse, aged just 12, who deposed his father in the ‘Farce of Ávila’ which took place in this city on 5th June 1465.

What to see?

  • Cathedral of AvilaMore information

    It is a cathedral-castle, with fully integrated battlements, crenellations and lookout walkways.Its history in inextricably linked to the history of the town. Its apse, for example, the so-called Cimorro,...

  • Basilica of San VicenteMore information

    The Basilica of San Vicente or Basilica of Los Santos Mártires Vicente, Sabina y Cristeta, was built in honour of these brothers, martyred in the 4th century during the persecution of the Christians ordered...

  • Chapel of Nuestra Señora de las NievesMore information

    Located in the same place where long ago stood the synagogue of Belforad. This chapel has in its interior a magnificent alabaster relief by Juan Rodriguez and Lucas Giraldo (XVI century).

  • Church of San AndresMore information

    Small romanesque church of the 12th century located in the stonemasons' quarter. It has interesting capitals and original apses.The Mozarabic character of the motifs decorating the ledges may explain the...

  • Church of San MartinMore information

    Romanesque shrine rebuilt and trasnformed in the 16th and 17th centuries.An important sight is the tower on an ashlar plinth. Its upper section is brick and has pointed horseshoe-arch windows, surrounds...

  • Church of San NicolasMore information

    It was built in the XII century; simple, with three small naves that have three access doors, a semicircular apse accessible by a triumphal bell arch over columns with capitals ornamented with vegetal...

  • Church of San PedroMore information

    Robust building made of sandstone blocks, a perfect example of the Ávila Romanesque style. There is a magnificent Cistercian rose window in the main façade.The Catholic Monarchs and Carlos I pledged allegiance...

  • Church of Santo Tome el ViejoMore information

    This building stopped being a parish church in the 18th century, during the expulsion of the jesuits, when the parish was transferred to the Jesuit school located in the plaza teniente Arévalo. Existía...

  • Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de las VacasMore information

    It is a small temple, whose origin, according to tradition, is because a miracle happened when the owner of these lands went to the church and their cows ploughed the field alone. Apparently, it was built...

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