Description of the attraction
One of the most interesting and historically significant buildings in Avila is the active Dominican monastery named after St. Thomas. The construction of the monastery was started by order of Martin de Solorzano in 1480 and completed by 1493. Thomas Torquemada, who bore the title of the first Grand Inquisitor of Spain, who was later buried here, took an active part in the creation of the monastery. After the death of Martin de Solorzano, his widow transferred the monastery to the management of the couple of Catholic kings Ferdinand and Isabella, under whose leadership the construction of a new royal palace began here. The palace was to become a summer royal residence. After some time, construction work was suspended due to the death of the only son of Ferdinand and Isabella, Prince Juan. The prince's tomb is located here in the monastery. It is decorated with a marble monument from 1511 - a magnificent work of the famous Florentine sculptor Domenico Fancheli.
The two-storey building of the monastery is made in the Gothic and Mudejar styles. The church of the monastery with one nave is in the form of a Latin cross. The main facade is decorated with large doors, over which there is a beautiful arch framed by columns. The facade is also decorated with images of the royal coat of arms and a map of Spain. The Spanish painter Pedro de Berruguete took part in the decoration of the interior of the monastery. He is the author of 19 paintings that adorn the altar and depict moments of the life of St. Thomas.
