We began our visit to Ávila with the church adjacent to the convent of Santa Teresa, in the Carmelite Baroque style.
The complex was built over the house where the saint was born. The building was completed on October 15, 1636.
The façade is unlike any other. It was designed as an altarpiece and organized in several parts that highlight the image of the Saint, carved in marble, and the different coats of arms of important people for the Saint and events that took place throughout her life: those of the Cepeda and Ahumada (her family), of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, that of the Count Duque de Olivares, that of the Stewardship and that of the Doctors of the Church.
Upon entering the church, the absolute silence, almost palpable, and the diaphanous luminosity of the place invites to meditation. Its interior is simple, and although there are many works of art to contemplate, it is not crowded. The altarpieces, in which many paintings, sculptures and other works of art are exhibited, have a very simple style, very "Discalced Carmelite", the order founded by Saint Teresa.
I advise you to walk quietly in its alleys, to take advantage of the calm of the place and to appreciate the works which are exposed there: from the big Christ on the cross (photo n° 7) to the small room located at the bottom of the church and containing relics coming from the youth of the saint.
Practical information: admission is free.
I couldn't help but pose next to St. Therese, quietly seated on a stone bench in front of the convent, dressed in the Carmelite habit, eyes raised to the sky and a feather in her hand. This bronze sculpture, an icon "very close to the visitor", weighs 280 kilos and is about two meters high.
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