Basilica de San Vicente

The Basilica of San Vicente is one of many worthwhile churches in the medieval city of Ávila, but it stands out for its unique and exquisitely carved cenotaph (symbolic tomb). It's located right outside of the imposing city walls and is quite cheap to visit, only 2 euros if I remember correctly.

According to legend, the church was built on the spot where St. Vincent and St. Sabina were martyred, and the cenotaph documents the story of their martyrdom via intricately carved and painted wooden figures. The colors of the cenotaph along with the dramatic lighting really make it something to behold...in fact, I spent quite a while poking my head right up close to admire all the little details.

This Basilica was built in 1882 as a National Monument, it's a Romanesque church, which harmoniously combines various elements from different backgrounds as they were the typical constructions of the 11th to the 15th centuries. The building is constructed in a kind of gritty yellow with orange shades and red streaks which gives it a truly magical appeal when seen lit. Its authorship is attributed to the French architect Fruchel Giral. Unfortunately I couldn't go in as it was closed at the time. The truth is that I was quite shocked by Avila.