Historic Charm of Barri Vell: Girona's Old Town

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• 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-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• 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 deh-mah-syah-doh kahr-oh]
• 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 en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• 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
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl 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 (para ...)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Girona's history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Gerunda. The Barri Vell, or Old Town, reflects this ancient heritage with remnants of the Roman walls that once fortified the city. The first settlements in this area were established around the 1st century BC, making it a crucial point for trade and military strategy in the Iberian Peninsula.

During the Middle Ages, Girona became a significant center for Jewish culture and scholarship, particularly in the Barri Vell. This area, known as 'El Call', housed a thriving Jewish community from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The narrow streets and preserved medieval architecture tell the story of a vibrant cultural life, including the establishment of the first Hebrew printing press in the 15th century.

The Barri Vell witnessed the tumultuous events of the Catalan Civil War in the 15th century, which led to significant social and economic changes. The conflict weakened the Jewish population, ultimately leading to their expulsion in 1492. The impact of this loss profoundly affected Girona's cultural landscape, as the Jewish community had contributed immensely to its intellectual and economic life.

The 16th century brought a renaissance of architecture to the Barri Vell, with the construction of the magnificent Girona Cathedral. Completed in 1716, its Baroque façade and impressive Gothic interior mark a significant development in the city’s architectural narrative. The cathedral remains a focal point of the Old Town, symbolizing the city’s resilience and adaptability through changing times.

Girona, including the Barri Vell, played a crucial role during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The city was a Republican stronghold until it fell to Franco's forces in 1939. The conflict left deep scars on the city and its inhabitants, with many historical buildings suffering damage. Post-war efforts focused on rebuilding and preserving the rich heritage of the Barri Vell, which continues to attract tourists and historians alike.

Barri Vell (Old Town) is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Girona. If you're coming from the train station, it's about a 20-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take a local bus to the city center and then walk to Barri Vell. Buses operate frequently and connect various parts of the city. If you're coming from the airport, consider taking a taxi or a shuttle service, which will take approximately 20 minutes.

Barri Vell is a pedestrian-friendly area, so walking is the best way to explore its narrow cobblestone streets and hidden corners. There are no trains or buses within the Old Town. Bicycles can be rented, but be cautious as the streets can be crowded and narrow. For longer distances or to explore the outskirts, taxis are readily available.

Girona is generally a safe city for tourists, including Barri Vell. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places. Be aware that petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur near popular tourist sites like the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in Spain. The local police station is situated in the city center, and hospitals, such as Hospital Trueta, are available for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies, and pharmacies are widely available for non-urgent health needs.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, such as the Cathedral, and avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly regarding silence and decorum in churches. Public Transport: Do be considerate of others and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'xuixo' (a cream-filled pastry) and enjoy outdoor dining. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a leisurely affair.

To experience Barri Vell like a local, visit the Plaça de la Independència for a coffee or meal at one of the many outdoor terraces. Explore the local artisan shops for unique souvenirs. Attend a local festival if your visit coincides with one; the Temps de Flors in May is particularly vibrant. Engage with locals in the market, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations on hidden gems within the area.