El Mercadal: Girona's Historical Heartbeat

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [por fah-vor]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• 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-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, 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/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [kee-see-eh-rah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl preh-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)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee mee-dyah]
• 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
  [kooah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 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?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• 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-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

El Mercadal, whose name translates to 'the market', has its roots in the medieval period when it served as a bustling commercial center in Girona. The neighborhood was strategically located near the city’s historic core, making it a vital point for trade and commerce. Its markets attracted merchants and buyers from various regions, contributing to Girona's economic prosperity.

The architectural landscape of El Mercadal reflects a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, indicative of the neighborhood's evolution over the centuries. Noteworthy buildings showcase intricate facades and historic significance, such as the Church of Sant Feliu, which is just a stone's throw away and highlights the area's rich religious heritage.

Throughout the years, El Mercadal has been a melting pot of cultures, influenced by the Jewish community, Christian reconquest, and later, Catalan nationalism. Festivals and traditions rooted in these diverse influences are celebrated in the neighborhood, showcasing Girona's cultural tapestry. The annual Temps de Flors, where the streets are adorned with flowers, is a testament to this vibrant cultural scene.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), El Mercadal, like many areas in Girona, experienced significant turmoil. The neighborhood witnessed the rise of political factions and was affected by the socio-political upheaval of the time. Post-war, El Mercadal played a role in the rebuilding efforts, with a focus on restoring the neighborhood's historical identity.

In recent years, El Mercadal has undergone a revitalization, transforming into a hub for gastronomy and local commerce. The establishment of artisan shops, cafes, and restaurants has breathed new life into the area, attracting both locals and tourists. This modern wave of development pays homage to its historical roots while embracing contemporary culture.

El Mercadal is conveniently located in the heart of Girona, making it accessible from various parts of the city. From the Girona train station, you can walk to El Mercadal in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, local buses connect the station to the neighborhood, and taxis are readily available. If you're coming from other neighborhoods, the central location means most can be reached on foot in under 30 minutes.

El Mercadal is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, ideal for exploring on foot. Bicycles can be rented from various local shops, and Girona has an extensive network of bike lanes. Public buses operate throughout the city, with stops near El Mercadal. For longer distances, taxis are also available and are a convenient option.

El Mercadal is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas, especially near popular tourist spots like Plaça de la Independència. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, so it’s advisable to avoid poorly lit areas at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station is nearby, and medical facilities are available in the city center. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, as cobblestone streets can be uneven. Don't wear overly casual attire when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; it's polite to cover your shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be mindful of others and keep noise to a minimum. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Bon dia.' Don't forget to use 'Por favor' (please) and 'Gràcies' (thank you) as these go a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Catalan dishes and enjoy tapas with locals. Don't rush your meals; dining is often a leisurely experience.

To experience El Mercadal like a local, visit the food markets in nearby neighborhoods for fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with shopkeepers and locals; they often have stories to share about Girona's rich history. Don’t miss trying a traditional 'xuixo,' a local pastry filled with cream. For an authentic dining experience, seek out family-run eateries rather than tourist-oriented restaurants.