Avila: The Walled Jewel of Spain

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syen-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-bohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-bohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs de-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
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• 4Cuatro
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• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

The origins of Ávila date back to pre-Roman times, with the area being inhabited by the Vettones, a Celtic tribe. The settlement was known as Obila, meaning 'High Mountain.' It became an important outpost due to its strategic position.

Ávila was integrated into the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. The Romans fortified the city and developed infrastructure including roads and aqueducts. The remnants of Roman influence can still be seen in the city's layout and archaeological finds.

In the 11th century, after the Christian reconquest, King Alfonso VI ordered the construction of Ávila's famous walls. These fortifications, built between 1090 and 1099, are among the best-preserved medieval walls in Europe, stretching over 2.5 kilometers and featuring 88 towers.

Ávila reached its peak during the 16th century, known as its Golden Age. The city became a significant religious center, largely due to Saint Teresa of Ávila. Her influence led to the construction of numerous convents and churches, cementing the city's religious heritage.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Ávila was under Nationalist control. The city experienced limited combat but served as a strategic point for Nationalist forces. Its historical buildings were largely preserved during this turbulent period.

Today, Ávila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich cultural history. The city continues to attract visitors with its historical sites, including the Cathedral of Ávila, the Convent of Saint Teresa, and its majestic walls.

Avila is located in the Castile and León region of Spain, about 110 kilometers northwest of Madrid. The closest major airport is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). From Madrid, you can take a direct train from Madrid-Chamartín Station to Avila, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, several bus companies operate routes between Madrid and Avila, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 2 hours. Driving is also an option, with a well-maintained highway (A-6 and AP-51) connecting the two cities.

Avila is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, local buses are available and are a cost-effective way to get around. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car can be a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside.

The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Avila, and you can withdraw Euros using your bank card. It's a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Avila is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and popular tourist attractions. Although Avila does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to avoid poorly lit areas at night and stay vigilant. The local police are known to be helpful and approachable.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number in Spain for police, fire, and medical services. Avila has several medical facilities, including the Hospital Nuestra Señora de Sonsoles. Pharmacies are also accessible throughout the city for minor health issues. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight nod of the head or a friendly 'Hola' is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies, such as 'yemas de Santa Teresa' and 'chuletón de Ávila'. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a leisurely and social activity in Spain.

To experience Avila like a local, visit the Mercado Chico, where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share their knowledge about the city's history and culture. Don't miss walking along the ancient city walls (Muralla de Avila) for stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape. For a unique experience, visit during local festivals such as the Medieval Market or Semana Santa (Holy Week) to see Avila at its most vibrant.