Private tour Avila and Salamanca from Madrid

Ávila is a medieval city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is famous for its walls, which are the longest and best preserved in Europe. These walls are more than 2,500 meters long, have 87 towers and 9 gates.

The Walls of Ávila are one of the city's main tourist attractions, and for good reason. These impressive medieval fortifications are a testament to the history and resistance of Ávila. The walls were built between the 11th and 14th centuries to protect the city from invaders. They are the most complete in Spain and are more than 2,500 meters long, 87 towers and 9 gates. On this tour, we will have the opportunity to admire the walls up close and take photos of the impressive landscape. We will also learn about the history and importance of these fortifications.

We will enjoy the exteriors of the Ávila Cathedral, a spectacular fortified church from the 12th century.

The Plaza Mayor of Ávila is the main square of the city, located in the historic center, within the walls. It is a rectangular square with arcades on three sides, which house shops, restaurants and bars. On the side without arcades, there is the church of San Juan Bautista. The square was built in the 16th century and is an example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. It is surrounded by three-story buildings, with balconies and wooden windows. In the center of the square, there is a stone fountain with a statue of a knight.

Our next stop is the Basilica of Saint Vincent, a Romanesque temple that is a true testimony of medieval architecture. Here, you can learn about the legend of the martyrs Vicente, Sabina and Cristeta, and admire the art that adorns every corner of this basilica.

Your second stop will be Salamanca, a city with a history dating back to Celtic times. It is known for its ornate sandstone architecture, which can be seen in its historic buildings, such as the University of Salamanca, the New Cathedral and the Plaza Mayor. Salamanca was founded in the 12th century and was a key intellectual center in the 15th and 16th centuries. Here, our guide will lead you through the most important places in the city, learning about its history and architectural features.

In front of the square, with the clock tower in the background, is the Plaza Mayor de Salamanca, a large public square located in the center of the city. This square is a popular meeting place for residents of Salamanca and visitors from around the world. The Plaza Mayor was built in the traditional Spanish Baroque style in the 18th century. It is surrounded by three-story buildings with arcades, which house shops, restaurants and bars. In the center of the square, there is a stone fountain with a statue of a knight. The Plaza Mayor is a lively place, where locals and visitors gather to have coffee, dine, attend cultural events or simply enjoy the atmosphere. It is a popular place for celebrations, such as concerts, festivals and markets. Our guide will explain to us here the history of this square, which is an important part of the culture of Salamanca.

The Casa de las Conchas is an old urban palace in the Gothic style with plateresque elements. It is one of the most emblematic monuments of Salamanca and is a symbol of the city. The façade of the building is decorated with more than 300 scallop shells, which are a symbol of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The name of the building derives from these shells. The Casa de las Conchas was built in the 16th century by Rodrigo Arias Maldonado, a knight of the Order of Santiago. The building was originally a private residence, but is now a public library.

Our next visit is to the oldest university in the Hispanic world and the third oldest university in the world still in operation. It was founded in 1134 as a General Study, and received the formal title of "University" from King Alfonso X in 1254 and recognition from Pope Alexander IV in 1255. The University of Salamanca has been a pillar of knowledge and culture for centuries. It has been the headquarters of some of the most important thinkers and academics in history, such as Francisco de Vitoria, Melchor Cano and Miguel de Unamuno. The university has a rich history and culture. Its buildings are an example of medieval and Renaissance Spanish architecture.

Although the old cathedral is not so grand, this Romanesque temple conveys a medieval spirit and tranquility that captivates all who visit it. To be there is to remember that its walls were witnesses of banquets, exams (if the students passed, they were awarded the degree in the cloister of the Cathedral itself), councils, courts of the Inquisition... At the end of the 15th century, the population of Salamanca had increased significantly, thanks to the rise and fame of its University. The Old Cathedral had become too small, and the aesthetic and ideological predominance of the Gothic world had turned it into an archaic and impractical space.

Few cities have two cathedrals: Salamanca does. The silhouette of the cathedrals presides over the Salamanca sky and their interior reflects the life and history of the city and its citizens. The magnificent complex formed by the New Cathedral and the Old Cathedral will allow you to enjoy the most varied artistic styles. Both are joined and access to the Old Cathedral is found from inside the New. In 1513, the construction of the New Cathedral began, one of the last Gothic cathedrals in Spain, which was completed two centuries later, in 1733. Different architectural styles are reflected in a fragmentary way in its construction. It is the largest and tallest building in the city.