The monument was commissioned by the Ávila City Council in 1566 to replace a medieval stone cross.
The four granite columns are each approximately 5 meters tall.
The central cross features an engraving of the city's coat of arms.
It is traditionally associated with the childhood legend of Saint Teresa of Ávila, who was intercepted here by her uncle while running away to become a martyr.
The site was historically used for the annual 'Romería de las Vacas' (Pilgrimage of the Cows), a local religious festival.
The Cuatro Postes is a 16th-century religious monument consisting of four Doric columns connected by an architrave, topped with a stone cross. It sits on a rocky outcrop located outside the city walls, providing an elevated vantage point overlooking the entire walled city of Ávila. The site is a popular pilgrimage stop and serves as the official city lookout. Built in 1566, the structure replaces an earlier shrine that allegedly marked the spot where a young Saint Teresa of Ávila was stopped by her uncle while attempting to flee the city to pursue a religious life. The stone structure is preserved as a historical landmark and is fully accessible to the public at no cost. It is situated on the west side of the Adaja River valley, facing the western portion of the Ávila city fortifications.
The path slightly downhill from the monument, which frames the four pillars in the foreground with the full panorama of the walled city in the background.
Bring a windbreaker, as the elevated, exposed location is often significantly windier than the city center.
Visit during the blue hour to see the city walls illuminated while the sky retains natural light.
Look for the orientation plaques nearby which help identify specific towers and gates within the walled perimeter.
Attempting to climb the granite pillars, as the structure is a protected historic monument.
