Chaves: A Hidden Gem in Northern Portugal

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [poor fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDesculpe/Desculpa
  [deh-skool-peh/deh-skool-pah]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehndoo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo meh-noo/poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/poor fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zoo-dah]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Queria comprar...
  [keh-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-toh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [koo-ahn-toh koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kahr-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh by-shahr oo preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rah shao]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia
  [may-oh dee-ah eh may-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-d]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-cheh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehsh]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-day-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh moh-shtr-meh (noo mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwan-doo eh oo proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-kah-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-lyeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Chaves, originally known as Aquae Flaviae, was established by the Romans in the 1st century AD. The city's name, Aquae Flaviae, signifies the therapeutic hot springs that were discovered by Emperor Flavius Vespasianus. The Romans constructed impressive thermal baths and a grand bridge over the Tâmega River, which still stands today as a testament to their engineering prowess.

In the medieval period, Chaves gained strategic importance due to its proximity to the Spanish border. The Castle of Chaves, built during the 9th and 10th centuries, was a key defensive structure. It was expanded and fortified by King Denis of Portugal in the 13th century. The castle’s imposing keep and walls provided protection and served as a military stronghold during various conflicts.

The Napoleonic Wars left a significant mark on Chaves. In 1809, the city was a battleground during the Peninsular War. Portuguese forces, led by General Francisco da Silveira, successfully defended the city against the French troops commanded by Marshal Soult. This victory was crucial in boosting Portuguese morale and resistance against the French invasion.

Chaves is renowned for its hot springs, which have been utilized for their therapeutic properties since Roman times. The thermal baths were revitalized in the 19th century, attracting visitors seeking health benefits. The modern spa facilities continue to draw tourists, making the thermal baths a central aspect of Chaves' cultural and economic life.

The Church of Santa Maria Maior, also known as the Chaves Cathedral, is a significant cultural and religious landmark. Originally built in the 12th century, the church features Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. It has been a focal point of religious life in Chaves, reflecting the city's historical and spiritual legacy.

Chaves is famous for its rich culinary traditions. The city’s gastronomy includes specialties such as 'Pastéis de Chaves,' a type of pastry filled with minced meat, and 'Presunto de Chaves,' a highly prized cured ham. The local cuisine, deeply rooted in regional produce and traditional recipes, offers a unique taste of Northern Portugal's culinary heritage.

Chaves is located in the northern region of Portugal, close to the Spanish border. The nearest international airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Porto, you can rent a car or take a bus to Chaves. The journey by car takes around 1.5 to 2 hours via the A24 motorway. There are also regular bus services connecting Porto to Chaves with a travel time of about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Chaves is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions can be explored on foot. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. There is a public bus system that connects different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Car rentals are also an option for those wishing to explore the scenic countryside and nearby attractions at their own pace.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments or market purchases. ATMs are readily available throughout Chaves, and most offer instructions in multiple languages.

Chaves is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places, and avoid displaying valuables openly. There are no specific areas in Chaves known for high crime rates targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital, Hospital de Chaves, provides medical care and emergency services. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect religious customs and dress codes when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Do not eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Olá'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Do not refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Chaves like a local, visit the weekly market, Mercado de Chaves, held on Saturdays, where you can buy fresh produce and regional products. Make sure to try the local specialty, Pastel de Chaves, a savory pastry filled with meat. Engage with locals at cafes and learn about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the Roman Bridge and the thermal baths, which are a significant part of Chaves' heritage.