Ávila

October 27, 2023

Our last day in Ávila, tomorrow we begin our new pilgrimage. First thing this morning we went for a walk to find the start of our route out of Ávila. It really will be like stepping out into the unknown. 

Having sorted out our exit from Ávila, the rest of the morning was spent in visiting the Convento de Santa Teresa - the Convent of St Teresa.

The most prominent part of the Convet which we were able to visit is the Basilica of Santa Teresa de Jesus. The church was built over the site where Teresa was born on 28 March 1515. The Convent was opened on 15 October 1636, 54 years after her death on 4 October 1582. 

As well as the church, we also visited the  reliquary and the museum - also parts of the Convent. 

Not far from the Convent of St Teresa is the church of San Juan Bautista - St John the Baptist - where Teresa was baptized on 4 April 1515. Sadly, the church is locked outside of Mass times but we were able to see in. We returned to the Basilica of St Teresa for Mass.

The rest of the day was spent in organizing ourselves for tomorrow - making sure we have cash as many small places only accept cash, and buying a few food supplies as we don't know where or when we'll be able to find food along the way. 

We also had a late lunch in one of the many restaurants. Shop and restaurant hours are so different from those in NZ. Most shut mid to late afternoon and reopen a few hours later. Having lunch between 4 & 5 pm means we don't need a meal later. They don't start serving evening meals until 9pm - far too late for us. 

On our walk to find our route out of Ávila tomorrow. 

We've seen many Camino signs in and around Ávila as the Camino de Levante passes through the city and the first day of the Ruta Teresiana shares the Levante route.

We will walk out past much of the south section of the city wall.

Tomorrow we'll walk down these steps and off into the countryside. 

The Convent of Santa Teresa 

The Basilica of Santa Teresa - a bronze statue of St Teresa busy writing.

Looking up to the main altar in the Basilica 

The main piece above the altar shows a scene of St Teresa's life, heralded by angels. 

There are many large paintings of scenes of St Teresa's life in the Basilica. 

And several stained glass windows. 

The altar in side chapel - built over the house where St Teresa was born. 

A recreation of the room where St Teresa was born. 

A little garden where Teresa used to play, and later pray, in. The figures represent young Teresa and one of her brothers. 

The church of San Juan Bautista - St John the Baptist - where Teresa was baptized on April 4, 1515.

A statue of St Teresa outside of the city wall.

We kept walking in and out of the walled part of the city. 

Christmas lights are up in the main shopping streets.

We came across a market 

These onions were ginormous!