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Avila: a Spanish city for everyone
Cities around the world are constantly trying to make their infrastructure more accessible so that all people have equal opportunities. They are becoming accessible which enables people with disabilities to become active participants in the community. Cities need to become accessible because then they allow interaction and engagement of all members, reduce social isolation and improve mental health for people with disabilities, increase economic gains for local businesses, and improve physical health opportunities and outcomes for all.
Access to people, goods, services, and information is the basis of economic development in cities. The better and more efficient this access, the greater the economic benefits through economies of scale, and networking advantages. This is why accessibility has become one of the top priorities for cities.
The Spanish city of Avila is the capital of the Spanish province of the same name, and it is a city in the rolling hill country northwest of Madrid.
Avila is famous for several things: it is the highest provincial capital in Spain at 1132 meters above sea level which offers spectacular and complete medieval city walls. Besides being a beautiful and interesting city known for many tourist attractions, it is also especially known for its well-preserved medieval city walls and many heritage sites. It is also known for being an accessible city.
Avila’s attractions are enhanced by its spectacular location, to the extent that it was declared a Historic-Artistic Ensemble in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage City in 1985. These declarations have gained to Avila with greater recognition both on a national and international basis.
The city of Avila won the first EU Access City Award in 2010, which was the first-ever European award for improving access for people with disabilities. This award is given to the cities that are building environment and public spaces, transport and related infrastructure, public facilities, and services in accessible and a sustainable way.
In the 2010-11 inaugural edition, 66 European cities from 19 EU Member States participated in the competition. Avila won the award because the city showcased many achievements and good practices, setting new benchmarks in continual efforts to improve accessibility.
The city of Avila is now considered one of the leading accessible tourist destinations in Spain, and the city has been making many efforts to build inclusive possibilities with equal opportunities which is why the city has received many awards besides from EU Access City Award in 2010, such as CERMI but also the Queen Sofía Award.
Avila is also a member of the League of Historical and Accessible Cities, a project established by the European Foundation Centre. The main aim of this project is to improve the accessibility of historical towns simultaneously promoting sustainable tourism development and the protection of cultural heritage. (photo credit: Jacqueline Macou/Pixabay)
