Plaza del Mercado Grande (Big Market Square), Avila
Big Market Square has a venerable history dating back to the 13th century. It shares a layout akin to the Little Market Square but boasts larger dimensions, making it a focal point for both residents and tourists. This captivating square serves as the beating heart of Ávila, where social interactions take center stage.
Big Market Square provides splendid vistas of two architectural treasures. On one side, you can admire the Romanesque-style Church of San Pedro, a testament to Ávila's rich religious heritage. On the other side, the square offers panoramic views of the city's ancient walls, with a particular focus on the imposing Puerta del Alcázar.
Dominating the square's center is a significant monument—a grand statue of Saint Teresa. This revered figure is perched atop a substantial pillar, serving as a symbol of the city's strong spiritual connection. A fascinating detail often overlooked by many is that the statue of Saint Teresa in Plaza del Mercado Grande gazes purposefully at another statue of Saint Teresa situated nearby, facing the city walls. This interaction between the statues adds depth and intrigue to the square's character.
The square features arcades along its sides, harkening back to its origins when these arches housed artisan shops offering essential goods. Today, these arcades are home to a diverse array of shops that cater to the needs of both locals and tourists. Exploring these shops is a delightful experience, whether you're seeking souvenirs, local products, or artisan crafts.
Big Market Square provides splendid vistas of two architectural treasures. On one side, you can admire the Romanesque-style Church of San Pedro, a testament to Ávila's rich religious heritage. On the other side, the square offers panoramic views of the city's ancient walls, with a particular focus on the imposing Puerta del Alcázar.
Dominating the square's center is a significant monument—a grand statue of Saint Teresa. This revered figure is perched atop a substantial pillar, serving as a symbol of the city's strong spiritual connection. A fascinating detail often overlooked by many is that the statue of Saint Teresa in Plaza del Mercado Grande gazes purposefully at another statue of Saint Teresa situated nearby, facing the city walls. This interaction between the statues adds depth and intrigue to the square's character.
The square features arcades along its sides, harkening back to its origins when these arches housed artisan shops offering essential goods. Today, these arcades are home to a diverse array of shops that cater to the needs of both locals and tourists. Exploring these shops is a delightful experience, whether you're seeking souvenirs, local products, or artisan crafts.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Avila. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Plaza del Mercado Grande (Big Market Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza del Mercado Grande (Big Market Square)
Sight Location: Avila, Spain (See walking tours in Avila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Avila, Spain (See walking tours in Avila)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Avila, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Avila
Creating your own self-guided walk in Avila is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Avila Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps the most 16th-century town in Spain, Ávila is the highest provincial capital in the country, perched over 1,130 meters above sea level on the right bank of the Adaja River. The altitude earned the city its name. Ávila's roots date back to pre-Roman times when the area was inhabited by the Vettones who built here a formidable fortress called Obila, meaning "High Mountain".... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles