Huesca: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Aragón

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• 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 el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-bohr]
• 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-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 mee-rahn-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 kah-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl preh-thyo]

• 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)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
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyeth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-thyon]
• 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 ...)]

Huesca's history dates back to the Iberian era, when it was known as Bolskan. The city was an important settlement for the Iberian tribe of the Ilergetes. With the Roman conquest in the 1st century BC, it was renamed Osca and became a significant Roman municipality, complete with its own mint for coinage.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Huesca came under Visigothic control. The 8th century saw the arrival of the Moors, who renamed the city Wasqa. Under Moorish rule, Huesca flourished as an important cultural and economic center in the region of Al-Andalus.

In 1096, King Sancho Ramirez of Aragon captured Huesca in a decisive battle during the Reconquista. This victory was pivotal in the expansion of the Kingdom of Aragon. Huesca subsequently became a key political and cultural hub, with the establishment of the University of Huesca in 1354, one of the oldest universities in Spain.

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Huesca continued to grow and prosper. The construction of the Huesca Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, began in the 13th century and was completed in the 16th century. The city also saw the rise of various noble families and the construction of numerous palaces and mansions.

The early 18th century was marked by the War of Spanish Succession. Huesca, like much of Aragon, was embroiled in the conflict between the supporters of the Habsburgs and the Bourbons. The city's strategic location made it a significant military target, leading to several battles and skirmishes in the surrounding areas.

In the 20th century, Huesca experienced significant changes, including the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939. The city was a focal point of conflict between Nationalist and Republican forces, leading to extensive damage and loss of life. Post-war, Huesca underwent reconstruction and modernization, aligning itself with Spain's broader economic development.

In recent decades, Huesca has seen a revival in its cultural and historical heritage. Festivals such as the Fiesta de San Lorenzo, celebrated every August, draw thousands of visitors. The city boasts numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events, celebrating its rich history and vibrant contemporary culture.

Huesca is located in northeastern Spain, within the autonomous community of Aragon. The nearest major airport is Zaragoza Airport, approximately 75 kilometers away. From Zaragoza, you can take a train or bus to Huesca, with the journey typically taking around 1 hour. Alternatively, you can fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport and then take a train or bus, which will take around 3 to 4 hours. For those driving, Huesca is well-connected by major highways.

Huesca is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city or to nearby locations, local buses are available and are reasonably priced. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Car rental services are available for those who prefer to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace.

The official currency in Huesca, as in the rest of 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 rural areas. ATMs are plentiful in Huesca, and most accept international cards.

Huesca is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be mindful of your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Huesca has a local police station and several medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering churches, it is customary to remain quiet and respectful. 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 or a friendly 'Hola'. In more formal settings, a slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Huesca like a local, visit the local markets such as the Mercado Municipal where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the old town, with its charming narrow streets and historical buildings. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Pyrenees for hiking or skiing, depending on the season.