Find out what to see in Arévalo, in the province of Avila. Jewel of the Spanish mudejar and a perfect destination for lovers of history, architecture and cultural escapades. Known asCity of the Five Lines, was the place of residence of Isabel la Católica during her childhood and retains a monumental heritage that deserves to be explored in depth.
Before you start, comment that all the schedules are available on the village website:
– Arévalo Castle and Cereal Museum
TheArévalo CastleIt was a defensive fortress since the 15th century. It was never real residence, but it did have various uses:graveyard, grain silo and prison. Today it houses theMuseum of the Cereal, which shows the agricultural history of the region from prehistory to today.
- Location: Plaza del Real, 20
- I collect the information for visitors, but check the official website that I include in case the schedules have changed:Arévalo Castle: Time-frames – 124; FEMA Web Portal:
- For weekend visits:
- Summer (from 1 June to 30 September): Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and national holidays, from 11: 00 to 20: 00. Last time of sale of tickets 19: 00
- Winter (from 1 October to 31 May): Open Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, from 11: 00 to 18: 00. Last time of sale of tickets 17: 00
- For week visits of organized groups: pre-appointment in the mailunitand 91 347 65 00 and 91 347 46 29.
- Castle reservations on phone 607030498.
- Telephone Castle: 920300005.
- Monday and Tuesday closed.
- Closed: 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 and 6 January, 1, 2 and 15 May.
– Mudejar Churches of Arévalo
Arévalo stands out for its impressive set of style churchesmove, many of them built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
1.Church of San Juan
Located in the Plaza del Real, this church retains Roman and Mudejar elements. Its brick tower and semicircular apse are characteristic of the style of the area.
2.Church of San Martín
One of the most emblematic. It has two brick towers and a porticado portico that reminiscent of the Spanish rural churches. Its structure is a living lesson in Mudejar architecture.
3.Church of Santa Maria
Located in the Plaza de la Villa, it stands out for its elegant tower and its apse decorated with brick friezes. Inside, concerts and cultural events are held.
4.Church of Santo Domingo de Silos
Less known but equally beautiful, with a unique ship and austere decoration. It represents the most sober and functional mudejar.
TimeMonday to Sunday, from 10: 00 to 20: 00. Aprox.
You can check the schedule here:Timetable of cultural and tourist resources – Arévalo City Council.
♪ Arc of the Alcoma and Statue of Isabel the Catholic
TheArc del Alcoceris the only door that is preserved from the ancient medieval wall. It served as a prison and seat of the council. Today it houses the Tourist Office and retains graffiti of the prisoners.
Next to the bow is thestatue of Isabel the Catholic, who remembers his childhood in the villa and is part of theIsabelina route.
♪ Historical positions
Plaza de la Villa
Neural center of the old town. Surrounded by props, noble houses and the church of Santa Maria. It is the ideal place to start the visit.
Plaza del Real
More extensive and modern, but equally interesting. Here is the church of San Juan.
– Other places to see in Arévalo
The Church of El Salvador
Located in the upper part of the city. It has a mudejar tower and a semicircular apse. Less visited, but very photogenic.
▪ Medina Bridge
Medieval bridge over the Adaja River, with stone arches and views of the castle. Ideal for a quiet walk. It is the entrance to the village by road and if you stop next door you can enjoy this panorama:
♪ Palacio de los Altamirano
16th century house with Renaissance façade. You can’t visit inside, but it deserves a stop.
♪ What to eat in Arévalo
The gastronomic star is theroast, prepared in wood oven in the traditional style. You can also try:
- Judiones de La Moraña
- Spanish soup
- Cheese cake with honey from the area
Recommended restaurants:The Labrador,The Pinilla,Asador Siboney.
– Isabel the Catholic in Arévalo and the conflict with the Zúñiga
After the death of his father, John II of Castile, in 1454, Isabel and his brother Alfonso were placed under the guardianship of his mother, Isabel of Portugal, in Arévalo. The villa was assigned to the widow queen as part of her dowry, and there she grew up the future queen in an atmosphere of recovery and melancholy, marked by her mother’s mental illness.
However, during the struggles for succession to the throne between Elizabeth and her half-sister Joan “the Beltraneja,”Arévalo was under the control of the Zúñiga, of Plasency and Dukes of Arévalo, who supported the Juanist side (that of Juana). This family built the currentArévalo Castlebetween 1469 and 1480, strengthening its domain over the villa.
Isabel, already married to Fernando de Aragon and proclaimed queen by her supporters in 1474,did not stop in the effort to recover Arévalo, for the deep emotional bond he had with the city. In the middle of the Spanish civil war, he achievedpolitical defeat of the Zúñiga, regaining control of the villa and reaffirming its authority as a legitimate queen.
Ο Why visit Arévalo?
Arévalo is a city that conserves the medieval soul of Castilla. Its Mudejar churches, its castle turned into a museum and its link to Isabel la Católica make it a first-level cultural destination. Ideal for a getaway from Madrid, Ávila or Salamanca.