Aedes Ars - Puerta del Alcázar

The monument and its history The walls of Avila are the symbol of the city and it is one of the best kept, medieval walled enclosures in Europe. The City Wall (11th century) is of course Avila's most emblematic and spectacular monument. It surrounds the old town, illustrating the wealth, power and influence this fortified city enjoyed centuries ago. Alfonso VI ordered the construction of this fortification after his conquest of Avila in 1090. Apparently, he used Moorish prisoners to build the wall. Beautifully illuminated at night. Alcázar and San Vicente gates are impressive. Today it measures 2.5 kilometres long, 14 meters high and as much as 3 meters thick, it is marked by almost 2,500 crenellations, a hundred towers, 9 gates and three openings. The walls are in are still in really good condition. Alcazar Gate Is the most solemn gate of all the Avila wall. The door have two large towers connected by a bridge (it's a singular element and unique in the European city walls) that strengthens the access defence. Under the bridge there are a number of corbels used to support a wooden scaffold or a piece of the structure of the drawbridge. Although now missing, the gate had a moat and a barbican (a small wall that served to prevent the assault machines could get to the wall). In 1907 the restoration was provided with battlements, imitating the St. Vincent gate. At the gate of the Alcazar was the dethronement of King Henry IV of Castilla, history episode known as "La Farsa de Ávila.