Santa Teresa Convent

Ávila is not what I'd consider a "cheerful" place...it's of course picturesque, historical, and monumental, but the imposing city walls, Gothic churches, and somber stone architecture gives it a solemn and somber atmosphere. That's why entering into the bright Santa Teresa Convent is such a welcome shock to the system.

The convent is free to visit, and when you enter you find a gleaming white hall filled with warm sunlight filtering through the windows and cheerful choir music emanating from some unseen speakers. It makes you want to sit down and take it all in for a few minutes. It's a surprising ray of cheerfulness and light in an otherwise grey and somber Ávila.

Avila is a city in Spain located in the community of Castile and Leon. The city is characterized by a complete medieval Romanesque wall. From one of the gates in the wall, you will enter the Plaza de Santa Teresa, where the Convent of the same is situated. It's a great gathering place and passing through the main aisle of the chapel is stirring. There is a wonderful image of Santa on the central altar and you can barely see of the cloisters, behind thick bars, but they are impressive and take you back in time.