The Historic Heartbeat of Granada: Realejo-San Matías

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh 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-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• 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-gahr, por fah-bor]

• 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?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh 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)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
  [sehs]
• 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-trahr-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 ...)]

Realejo-San Matías, originally known as the 'Realejo,' was the Jewish quarter of Granada during the Islamic period. Following the Reconquista in 1492, the area became a melting pot of cultures, where Moorish, Jewish, and Christian influences intermingled. The architecture and narrow streets still reflect this rich history, with remnants of the past visible in the layout and structures.

The Alhambra Decree of 1492 led to the expulsion of Jews from Spain, profoundly impacting the Realejo-San Matías neighborhood. Many Jewish families, who had settled here for centuries, were forced to leave their homes, leading to a transformation of the area. Some converted to Christianity, while others sought refuge in different regions, contributing to the cultural shifts in Granada.

In the 19th century, the San Matías area began to develop as a residential neighborhood for the burgeoning middle class. This period saw the construction of new homes and public buildings, as well as the establishment of local businesses that catered to the growing population. The influence of Romanticism during this time is evident in the architecture, with decorative elements and façades that reflect the era's artistic trends.

The early 20th century marked a cultural renaissance for Realejo-San Matías, as it became a center for artists, writers, and intellectuals. The neighborhood witnessed the establishment of cultural institutions, including theaters and art galleries. This vibrant artistic scene contributed to the cultural identity of Granada, solidifying its reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.

In recent decades, Realejo-San Matías has undergone significant revitalization efforts aimed at preserving its historical character while accommodating modern life. The neighborhood has become popular with both locals and tourists, who are drawn to its unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant community life. The area hosts various cultural events and festivals that celebrate its diverse heritage, ensuring that the legacy of Realejo-San Matías continues to thrive.

Realejo-San Matías is centrally located in Granada, making it easily accessible from other neighbourhoods. If you are coming from the city centre, you can walk for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, buses such as Line 8 and Line 11 connect the area to other parts of the city. For those arriving by train, the Granada Train Station is approximately 2 kilometers away, and local buses or taxis are available to take you to Realejo-San Matías.

Realejo-San Matías is a compact neighbourhood, and many attractions can be explored on foot. The area is pedestrian-friendly, and you can easily navigate the narrow streets. Buses run regularly, and the nearest stops can be found along main roads. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore at your own pace. Taxis are also available for a more direct mode of transport.

Realejo-San Matías is generally safe for tourists, but it is always advisable to take standard precautions. Stay vigilant, especially in crowded places and when walking at night. Areas near the city centre can attract petty crime, such as pickpocketing, so keep your belongings secure. Avoid poorly lit streets after dark and be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, is nearby for urgent medical needs. It is recommended to carry a copy of your travel insurance and any necessary medical information. Pharmacies in the neighbourhood can assist with minor health issues and provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for walking. Don't wear overly flashy or revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Always cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be considerate and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Don't engage in loud conversations in public spaces. Eating & Drinking: Do try local tapas and enjoy meals at traditional bars. Don't waste food or leave a restaurant without tasting something local.

To experience Realejo-San Matías like a local, visit the small tapas bars and cafes tucked away in the streets. Engage in the local tradition of tapas hopping, where you order a drink and receive a complimentary small dish. Explore the hidden gems of the neighbourhood, such as the historic Casa de Zafra and the vibrant street art. Don't miss the opportunity to chat with locals, who can share fascinating stories about the area's rich history and culture.