Surrounded by medieval walls, the impressive city of Ávila is perched 1,131 metres above sea level.  This is the highest provincial capital in Spain. The city walls of Avila are regarded as the best preserved in Europe.  The walls were built in the 11th century, they are punctuated by eighty eight turrets running the whole length of the wall.  When first built and throughout the centuries, the turrets would have been used as lookouts but today they are the nesting places of the storks which are common in the area.  The cathedral has been integrated into the walls and is decorated with wild animals and men.  Avila is the birthplace of St Teresa.  St Teresa was born in 1515 she became a nun aged 19 and in 1562 she founded her first convent.  Accompanied by her disciple St John of the cross, she traveled throughout Spain founding a number of convents.  She died in 1582 and her remains are buried in Alba de Tormes near Salamanca.  Another inspiring building is the 12th century church of San Vicente.  Ávila is well worth a journey, if only for the magnificent city walls.