Ávila

Remarkably complete, these were built between the 11th and 14th centuries and form a 2.5-km loop around the old town. You can of course see them free from the encircling road: anytime, but they're dramatic when floodlit at night. Note the blocks where Roman masonry has been recycled into the structure. There are two sections where you can walk on top of the wall, both covered by the same ticket. The E/NE section of 1440 m can be entered at three points: Casa de las Carnicerias on Calle San Segundo, Puente Adaja on Calle Marqués de Santo Domingo, and Arco del Carmen on Plaza Concepción Arenal by the Parador. The SE section of 260 m is entered at Puerta del Alcázar on Plaza Adolfo Suárez.

Built mostly in the 11th and 12th centuries in Romanesque and Gothic styles, and embedded in the eastern flank of the city walls. The exterior is an austere grey affair, but the Romanesque parts of the interior are a striking "blood limestone". It's an extra €3 to ascend the tower, tours at midday.

An oddity, a museum of Spanish army logistics in a Renaissance palace. Signage is only in Spanish.

Museum with Roman artefacts from the area, including a large mosaic. It's housed in the Palacio de los Deanes and in Iglesia de Santo Tome El Viejo, a 13th-century church.

Dedicated to Saints Vicente, Sabina and Cristeta, this was built 12th-14th century.

Convent and shrine built over the birthplace of St Teresa (1515-1582), who founded the Carmelitas Descalzadas, the "Barefoot Carmelites".

Mostly 15th-century Dominican Convent, grouped around 3 cloisters. There are two small museums (same ticket): the oriental art museum also displays the Order's mission in China. The natural science museum is a dilapidated collection of dead beasts.