Avila - City of Saints, City of Stone, Spain (142/418)

Founded in the 11th century to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors, this "City of Saints and Stones", the birthplace of Saint Theresa and the burial ground of the Great Inquisitor Torquemada, has kept its medieval austerity. This purity of form can still be seen in its Gothic cathedral and its fortifications which, with 82 semi-circular towers and 9 gates, are the most complete in Spain.