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Observation deck · Ávila, Castela e Leão
Los Cuatro Postes
Small monument from 1566, with four Doric columns and a granite cross, on the other side of the Adaja river. It is the classic spot to view the whole wall of Ávila.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Los Cuatro Postes
Los Cuatro Postes is a humilladero, a small religious landmark at the city exit, built in 1566. It consists of four granite Doric columns about five meters high, joined by an architrave bearing the coat of arms of Ávila. In the center of the square they form is a granite cross on a pedestal.
It stands on the left bank of the Adaja river, atop a hill to the west of the city, on the road to Salamanca. There are several versions about the origin of the site. One says it marks the spot where Teresa de Jesus's uncle found her as a child, when she and her brother Rodrigo fled home to seek martyrdom in Moorish lands.
The appeal for visitors is the view. From there you can see the west side of the wall from end to end, with its towers, and the city's towers behind. At dusk, when the wall is lit, the place tends to be busy.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
15 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the late afternoon, to see the wall in the fading light and then illuminated. Sunset times vary widely: from June to August it gets dark quite late, and from November to February, early.
How to get there
Exit the wall via the Puerta del Puente, cross the Adaja river by the bridge and climb the road to Salamanca. From Plaza del Mercado Chico it’s about a 20–25 minute walk. You can also reach it by car or taxi.
Tip
The walking route includes uphill sections and a stretch alongside the road; at night, opt for a taxi for the return. Bring a jacket: the hill is exposed to wind, and Ávila is the highest provincial capital in Spain.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Los Cuatro Postes
Where can you see the entire wall of Ávila?
At Los Cuatro Postes, on the hill across the Adaja river. From there you can see the whole west side of the wall.
Can you walk to Los Cuatro Postes?
Yes. It's about 20–25 minutes from the centre, leaving via Puerta del Puente and walking up the Salamanca road. At night a taxi is more practical for the return.
What are the Cuatro Postes?
A humilladero from 1566, with four Doric columns and a granite cross in the centre, on the edge of the old road out of the city.