The Palomar (dovecote) de Santa Teresa, located in Gotarrendura, Ávila, is part of the estate inherited by Santa Teresa de Jesús from her mother, Beatriz de Ahumada, who owned an extensive estate in the region. This adobe and masonry construction, of medium height and with a gable roof, was an essential element of the Ahumada house-palace in the 16th century, together with the orchard and the garden. The dovecote, with more than seven hundred niches, housed pigeons whose personal care was entrusted by Saint Teresa in her letters to the landlord González de Venegrilla, especially in the winter months. This dovecote had a profound influence on the saint, who used the term “palomarcitos” to affectionately refer to her convents and called her nuns “pigeons”. Some experts believe that it could also be the birthplace of the saint herself, rather than Avila, although there is no documentary evidence in this regard.
Today, the dovecote is one of the highlights of the Teresian Route, attracting those who wish to connect with the childhood of the Carmelite reformer. Recent archaeological work, led by archaeologist Blas Cabrera and sponsored by institutions such as the Instituto Secular Cruzadas de Santamaría, has uncovered 16th century remains including walls, floors and a geometric pavement, evidence that could belong to the original palace house.
- Address
C. Kate O’Brien, 4, Gotarrendura, Ávila - Web
None - Visiting Hours
Unknown - What to see
Dovecote
