One of the biggest attractions in Avila, Spain is the St. Teresa of Avila Church. This particular church was something that I added to my itinerary because she was a saint that was closely associated with the Carmelite nuns. (I will tell you more about it in a bit.)
I’m not particularly religious but I grew up in a convent school and was taught by the sisters from the Carmelite convent. Since we were passing by, I thought that I would just stop and visit. It was a great way to show the children around a beautiful church and tell them stories about my childhood.
It never ceases to amaze me how interconnected the whole world is. I was a little girl who grew up in Goa. Yet, I knew about this saint who was from Spain.
The St Teresa of Avila Church, Spain is also a popular pilgrimage spot. So you will see a lot of people who come in here. Aside from this, the building is really old and interesting so it also inspires both historical and architectural interest.
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Location Of St Teresa Of Avila Church
There are many churches that are dedicated to St. Teresa Of Avila. The one that I am talking about is located in Avila Spain itself. If you go searching for it on Google maps you will find it labeled as the Church and birthplace of Saint Teresa of Jesus.
You can easily walk to the church from almost anywhere in the city.
Address: Carmelitas Descalzos, Pl. la Santa, Nº 2, 05001 Ávila, Spain
Who Was St Teresa Of Avila?
St Teresa of Jesus is the patron saint of the walled city of Avila. As a Carmelite nun, she was the center of the spiritual and monastic renewal of that time. There are many stories about her. One of the popular ones is about how she wanted to become a martyr. So she convinced her brother to go to the Moors with her and have their heads chopped off.
Yeah… I know. Pretty gruesome thoughts for a seven year old. Anyways, the story goes that the duo was found by their uncle who brought them home. The site where her uncle found them is marked and you can actually trek to it from the city. It is a pretty easy walk.
History Of The St Teresa Of Avila Church, Spain
The history behind this iconic church is pretty interesting. The church was built on the very place that St Teresa of Avila was born. In 1543, her father D. Alonso died.
The sisters of Discalced Carmel decided to build a church on the ruins of the house. It took them almost a century to complete and the church was finally ready in 1636.
All these years later, the church still attracts people from all across the world and not just the continent.
Inside The St Teresa Of Avila Church Spain
The interior of the church is decorated in the typical Carmel style. It is very simplistic especially when compared to many of the Basilicas and churches of that time. The outside of the church has a simple façade.
Just before the church is a statue of St Teresa of Avila or as the Spanish call her Santa Teresa de Jesus. Many people stop here for a photograph with the life sized statue.
If you look at the statue closely, you will see which parts of the statue have a different shine. This is probably where everyone keeps touching it.
We visited the church when Mass was being conducted so we did not spend much time in the main area. We did not want to disturb the devotees.
The Relic Room
The garden inside the St Teresa of Avila church, Spain.
You will find this on your left hand side if you walk straight ahead once you enter from the main door. Here you can see the garden where she spent her time. This is something that you will spot just before you enter the relic room.
As you walk into the crypt, you will see a space devoted to St Teresa. Here is where you will find her relics.
The room is golden. Well at least the altar is. It is a stark contrast to the simplicity of the other parts of the church.
If you move on a bit further you see where the relics are kept. These include the cord she used for self flagellation, a rosary, the sole of her sandal and even her finger!
The Museum
The museum of St Teresa of Avila church has an entrance that is outside. So you would have to exit the church and walk around the church to catch it. We were short on time when we visited because we had to drive to Burgos the very same day.
The museum is dedicated to the life of St Teresa. It is supposed to be a one of a kind museum. There is a nominal entrance fee of 2 euros per person. Children below 12 can enter for free.
All in all, the St Teresa of Avila church in Spain is one of the most iconic monuments in Avila. If you are in the city, make sure you stop by. It is definitely one of the top things to do in the city.
Have you been to Avila? What did you think of the St Teresa of Avila church in Spain? Let us know in the comments below.
