Ávila

Ávila (ä'vēlä) [key], town (1990 pop. 46,992), capital of Ávila prov., central Spain, on the upper Adaja River. It attracts many tourists. One of the great religious centers of Spain, Ávila has preserved much medieval architecture. Up against its turreted wall (built 11th cent.) is the imposing Cathedral of San Salvador. The Basilica of San Vicente is one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Spain.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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