Tarragona: A Journey Through Time on the Mediterranean Coast

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-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 goo-stah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vor]
• 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 goo-stah-ree-ah 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-thee-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstoy mirando
  [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 kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh reh-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)Es la diez y media
  [ehs lah dyehth ee meh-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
  [kwah-troh]
• 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?
  [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-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

Founded in the 3rd century BCE, Tarraco was the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior. The city flourished under Roman rule, becoming a major administrative and commercial hub. The remains of the Roman Circus, Amphitheatre, and the impressive Aqueduct of Les Ferreres, also known as the Devil's Bridge, attest to its historical significance.

Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Tarraco was captured by the Visigoths in the 5th century CE. It became an important Visigothic settlement, and traces of this period can still be seen in the city's architecture and archaeological findings.

In the 8th century, Tarragona fell to the Moors, who ruled the area for several centuries. The Moorish influence is evident in the city's layout and some architectural elements, although much of this period's physical heritage has been lost.

By the 12th century, Tarragona was reconquered by the Christians during the Reconquista. It became an important religious center, marked by the construction of the Tarragona Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that began in 1171.

During the Middle Ages, Tarragona experienced economic and cultural growth. The city's strategic location made it a key trading port, attracting merchants and artisans. The medieval walls and structures, including the Archbishop's Palace, reflect this period of prosperity.

In the early 18th century, Tarragona played a significant role during the War of Spanish Succession. The city's fortifications were strengthened, and it became a key military outpost. The Battle of Tarragona in 1811 was a crucial event, leading to extensive damage but also to the city's eventual liberation.

The 19th and 20th centuries saw Tarragona undergoing significant modernization. The introduction of the railway, the expansion of the port, and the development of industry transformed the city into a dynamic urban center. The modernist architecture from this era adds a unique charm to the city's historical landscape.

Tarragona's rich history has been recognized by UNESCO, which declared the Archaeological Ensemble of Tarraco a World Heritage Site in 2000. This recognition highlights the city's importance as a cultural and historical treasure, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Tarragona is well-connected and easily accessible. The nearest international airport is Barcelona-El Prat Airport, located about 82 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a direct train or bus to Tarragona, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive along the AP-7 or C-32 highways. Tarragona also has a train station with connections to major Spanish cities, including high-speed AVE trains from Madrid and Barcelona.

Tarragona has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses and taxis. The local bus service, operated by EMT, covers most parts of the city and nearby areas. Tickets can be purchased on the bus or at designated kiosks. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For exploring the historical center, walking is the best option as many attractions are within close proximity. Renting a bicycle is also a popular way to get around, with several rental shops available.

The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit smaller establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are plentiful throughout Tarragona, and you can withdraw cash using international cards. Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange bureaus.

Tarragona is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas and popular tourist spots. Be particularly vigilant in the Old Town and around the Roman ruins. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. The neighborhoods of Campclar and Torreforta have higher crime rates, so it's best to stay cautious if visiting these areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Tarragona has several hospitals and clinics that provide emergency medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies (farmacias) are available throughout the city and can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but stylishly. In summer, lightweight clothing is recommended, but avoid overly revealing outfits when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in churches. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious buildings. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when boarding buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Hola' or 'Buenos días.' A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'calçots' and 'fideuà.' Don’t start eating until everyone at the table has been served.

To experience Tarragona like a local, visit the Mercat Central de Tarragona, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Attend local festivals such as the Castells (human towers) and Santa Tecla Festival to immerse yourself in the culture. Take a leisurely stroll along Rambla Nova, a popular spot for locals to relax and socialize. Don't miss out on trying 'vermut,' a local aperitif, at one of the many bars in the city.