The Basilica of St. Teresa of Avila was built on the remains of the saint’s family home, although its state of ruin after the death of her father in 1543 led the Discalced Carmelites not to attempt to restore the building but to build a new church and convent on this site. The work, directed by Fray Alonso de San José, was inaugurated in 1636, following the Carmelite Baroque style with a Latin cross plan, side chapels and a sober and elegant cloister. The sculptures of Gregorio Fernandez stand out, including an image of St. Teresa in the “chapel of the birth”, which commemorates the place where some traditions locate her birthplace.
The facade of the basilica, organized as an altarpiece, displays a marble statue of the saint, as well as the coats of arms of the Cepeda y Ahumada family, the Discalced Carmelite Order and other representative symbols. The interior is sober but impressive, with sculptural works from the 17th century. In 1886, the church and convent were declared a Historic Monument, and in 2022, it was granted the title of minor basilica.
- Address
Discalced Carmelites, Pl. la Santa 2, Ávila - Web
https://www.teresadejesus.com/ - Visiting Hours
From April to October from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From November to March from 10 to 13:30 h. and from 15:30 to 17:30 h. - What to see
Museum, chapel of the birth
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