Free walking tours in Arévalo and what to see

Must-sees

Arévalo is the capital of La Moraña, in the north of Ávila province, and one of the finest ensembles of Mudéjar art in Castile. The Plaza de la Villa, with stone and timber arcades and timber-framed houses, is the loveliest spot. Around it rise the brick towers of churches such as Santa María la Mayor, with wall paintings inside, and San Martín. The Casa de los Sexmos houses the Arévalo History Museum.

The 14th-century castle watches over the confluence of the rivers Adaja and Arevalillo and now works as a visitor centre. The Plaza del Real recalls the old palace where Isabella the Catholic lived as a child. The Arco del Alcocer is the only surviving gate in the wall. On the outskirts, the hermitage of La Lugareja is a gem of Romanesque-Mudéjar architecture well worth the detour.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Arévalo, but there is a guided tour of the historic centre, its squares and Mudéjar churches, with explanations of the town’s history. It is a good way to understand heritage that can go unnoticed at first glance. The rest, such as the castle or La Lugareja, you can see on your own before or after the tour.

How long to spend

Allow half a day for the historic centre, the castle and the Plaza de la Villa. If you add La Lugareja, the museum and lunch, give it the full day. Arévalo fits well into a route through northern Ávila or a trip between Ávila and Valladolid, with a stop at nearby Medina del Campo.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to sleep in the centre, between the Plaza del Arrabal and the Plaza de la Villa, where there are small hotels and guesthouses and everything is on foot. It is the best option for strolling the historic centre at night, when it is very quiet. If you want more choice, Medina del Campo and Ávila are less than an hour away by car.