Introduction
Step back in time at the Museo de Historia de Arévalo, affectionately known as Arevalorum. Housed within the storied walls of the ancient Casa de los Sexmos in the picturesque Plaza de la Villa, this museum serves as the definitive gateway to the town’s rich Castilian heritage. Once the seat of the medieval town hall until 1519, the building itself is a masterpiece of historical architecture, boasting a magnificent restored artesonado (coffered ceiling) and the famous "sexmero" balconies where kings and regents once gathered to overlook the square’s festivities.
The museum’s significance reaches far beyond the borders of the province of Ávila, as it was here in 1494 that the historic Treaty of Tordesillas was ratified, a moment that effectively divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between Spain and Portugal. Today, the "Arevalorum" experience offers visitors an immersive journey through time, showcasing a diverse collection that ranges from pre-Roman and Roman archaeological remains to the artistic and social heights of the Middle Ages. It is an essential stop for any traveler wishing to understand the strategic and cultural weight that Arévalo held during the formation of modern Spain.
Highlights
- Casa de los Sexmos by Unknown (15th Century): This historic building served as the medieval town hall and is the prestigious site where the Treaty of Tordesillas was ratified in 1494.
- Mudejar Artesonado by Local Craftsmen (15th Century): A beautifully restored wooden coffered ceiling in the former boardroom that showcases the intricate geometric patterns characteristic of regional Mudéjar architecture.
- Vaccaei Ceramic Vessels by Celtiberian Tribes (c. 4th–1st Century BC): Rare pre-Roman pottery from the Iron Age that documents the earliest organized Vaccaei settlements in the Arévalo region.
- Ratification of the Treaty of Tordesillas Exhibit by Royal Scribes (1494): A dedicated historical display chronicling the pivotal moment when the Catholic Monarchs finalized the division of the New World within these very walls.
- Roman Archaeological Collection by Unknown (1st–4th Century AD): A selection of daily-use artifacts and tools discovered during local excavations that trace the town's evolution from a Roman outpost.
- Scale Model of Medieval Arévalo by Museum Curators (Modern): A detailed topographic reconstruction illustrating the town’s historic fortifications, Mudéjar churches, and its strategic position between the Adaja and Arevalillo rivers.
- Medieval Stone Corbels by Anonymous Stonemasons (13th–14th Century): Carved architectural elements salvaged from local ruins that depict the stylistic transition from Romanesque to Gothic art in Old Castile.
Getting There
The Museo de la Historia de Arévalo is located in the province of Ávila, approximately 60 km north of Madrid. The museum is situated in the historic Plaza de la Villa, housed in the former Casa de los Sexmos.
By Car
- Arévalo is characterized by its easy accessibility by road.
- The museum is located at Pl. la Villa, 1, in the building that served as the seat of the medieval city council until 1519.
Public Transport
- Both the city and the museum are noted for their easy accessibility, making it a convenient destination for those exploring the archaeological and medieval history of the region.
On Foot
- The museum is centrally located within the historic enclave of the Plaza de la Villa. Its position in the old town makes it easily reachable on foot for visitors touring Arévalo’s medieval landmarks.
Admission & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
The Museo de la Historia de Arévalo operates on a consistent morning schedule throughout the week, though it remains closed on Mondays.
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: 10:00-14:00
- Wednesday: 10:00-14:00
- Thursday: 10:00-14:00
- Friday: 10:00-14:00
- Saturday: 10:00-14:00
- Sunday: 10:00-14:00
Admission
Information regarding ticket prices and entry requirements is currently unavailable. Visitors are advised to consult the official website for the most up-to-date details before planning a visit.
Nearby Attractions
- Plaza de la Villa (0 m, 0 min): The museum is located directly within this historic medieval square, which features traditional Castilian architecture and serves as the heart of the old town.
- Church of Santa María la Mayor (50 m, 1 min): Situated on the same square, this church is famous for its impressive Mudejar-style apse and its role in the town's religious history.
- Church of San Martín (100 m, 1 min): This notable Romanesque-Mudejar monument, recognized by its distinctive twin towers, stands just steps away from the museum entrance.
- Arco de Alcocer (350 m, 4 min): This ancient gate is the main surviving entrance of the medieval city walls and currently houses the local tourist information office.
- Castle of Arévalo (550 m, 7 min): This well-preserved 15th-century fortress, where Queen Isabella I of Castile spent her childhood, is a short walk from the Plaza de la Villa.
Know Before You Go
Accessibility
- The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that the exhibits and historical displays are available to all visitors.
Photography
- Please consult with the museum staff upon arrival for the most current guidelines regarding photography and the use of flash within the galleries.
Facilities
- Specific on-site services are not specified. Visitors are encouraged to inquire at the reception desk for information regarding available amenities or assistance during their visit.
Best Time to Visit
- While a typical visit duration is not specified, it is recommended to allow for a flexible schedule to fully explore the history of Arévalo at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Arevalorum? A: Arevalorum is the official name of the Museo de Historia de Arévalo (Arévalo History Museum). It is a dedicated cultural space that chronicles the evolution of Arévalo, a historic town in the province of Ávila, from ancient times through the Middle Ages.
Q: Where is the museum located? A: The museum is situated in the heart of the town's historic center at the Plaza de la Villa. It is housed in a landmark building known as the "Casa de los Sexmos," which served as the medieval town hall until 1519.
Q: What is the historical significance of the building itself? A: The Casa de los Sexmos is one of the most important buildings in the region. Most notably, it is the site where the Treaty of Tordesillas was ratified in 1494. Historically, its balconies were used by monarchs and local governors to preside over festivals and bullfights held in the square below.
Q: What historical periods are covered in the exhibits? A: The collection offers a comprehensive chronological journey. Visitors can view archaeological remains and artifacts dating back to pre-Roman and Roman times, as well as significant displays focused on the town’s prominence during the Middle Ages.
Q: What is the "artesonado" and why should I see it? A: The "artesonado" is a magnificent, intricately carved wooden coffered ceiling located in the museum's ancient boardroom. Recently restored by a specialized workshop school, it is considered one of the museum's most beautiful architectural highlights.
Q: Is there a connection between the museum and the Treaty of Tordesillas? A: Yes. The museum building is the very location where the ratification of the Treaty of Tordesillas took place in 1494. This world-changing agreement divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the Crown of Castile and the Portuguese Empire.
Q: What are the "balcones sexmeros"? A: These are the historic balconies of the Casa de los Sexmos. They are a unique architectural feature of the museum that offers a view of the Plaza de la Villa. In the past, they served as a "royal box" for dignitaries to watch public events and celebrations.
Q: How accessible is the museum for travelers? A: Located in the province of Ávila, Arévalo is highly accessible for those traveling through central Spain. The museum’s central location in the Plaza de la Villa makes it an easy stop for tourists exploring the town's rich Mudéjar architecture and medieval heritage.
Q: What kind of artifacts can I expect to see? A: The museum features a diverse range of contents, including archaeological finds from early Iberian settlements, Roman pottery and tools, and medieval documents and relics that illustrate the town’s growth as a strategic administrative center.
Q: Are there other historical sites near the museum? A: Yes, the museum is located in the most historic part of Arévalo. Within a short walk, visitors can explore the Plaza de la Villa's medieval layout, several Mudéjar-style churches, and the remains of the town's ancient defensive walls.