Arévalo is a fine Mudéjar town at the confluence of the Adaja and Arevalillo rivers. The Mudéjar architecture here — brick churches with geometric patterns and ornamental towers — is some of the best in Castile. The Plaza de la Villa, with its arcaded medieval square, is particularly handsome.
The Castillo de Arévalo, where Isabel la Católica spent part of her childhood, sits at the point where the two rivers meet. The castle is being restored and can sometimes be visited.
Several churches are worth entering: San Martín, San Miguel, and Santa María la Mayor all have fine Mudéjar elements. The town has all basic services — supermarkets, bars, restaurants, pharmacy, and accommodation.
Arévalo is also known for its roast suckling pig (tostón) — the local restaurants compete fiercely for the title of best in town.
Arévalo was an important medieval town, partly because of its position on the route between Ávila and Valladolid and partly because of its strong Mudéjar community. The term "Mudéjar" refers to Muslims who remained in Christian-controlled territory, and their architectural influence — blending Islamic geometry with Christian building forms — defines the town's character. Isabel la Católica lived here as a girl, and the memory of her childhood in Arévalo is still a source of local pride.
