Cuatro Postes Viewpoint

The viewpoint that gives you the classic postcard image of the walled city

The Cuatro Postes is a small roadside cross with four stone pillars on a low hill northwest of Ávila, across the river, and it offers the definitive view of the walled city. From here — perhaps a 20-minute walk from the Puerta del Alcázar — the entire northern wall is visible in profile, with the cathedral's Cimorro tower rising above the circuit and the sierra behind. It is the view that appears on every postcard and travel photograph of Ávila, and it is even better in person.

The walk from the city is pleasant, crossing the bridge over the Adaja river and climbing the low hill on the western bank. Sunset from this viewpoint, when the granite walls glow orange against the evening sky, is one of the outstanding short experiences in Castile. There is no admission charge and the structure is always accessible. Evening light is significantly better than midday.

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A story
The Cuatro Postes (Four Posts) is a simple stone structure — four granite columns supporting a cross — erected in the 16th century on the site where, according to tradition, the young Teresa and her brother Rodrigo were caught by their uncle as they set out for Moorish territory, hoping to be martyred for their faith. Teresa was seven years old. The walk to the viewpoint takes 20 minutes from the city gate.