Teruel: A Hidden Gem Steeped in History and Charm

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-thyas]
• 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-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-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-thyah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har 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 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?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-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)]

Teruel was officially founded in 1171 by Alfonso II of Aragon during the Reconquista. Its strategic position on the frontier between Christian and Muslim territories made it a crucial military outpost. The city was established with a charter granting privileges and exemptions to attract settlers, which helped in its rapid development.

Teruel is renowned for its Mudéjar architecture, which blends Islamic and Christian design elements. This unique style flourished in the 12th to 17th centuries and is best exemplified by the city's many towers, such as the Tower of El Salvador and the Tower of San Martín. These structures have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their cultural significance.

One of the most famous stories associated with Teruel is the tragic romance of Diego de Marcilla and Isabel de Segura, known as the Lovers of Teruel. According to legend, Diego returned from war to find Isabel married to another. Heartbroken, he died at her feet, and she died shortly after from grief. Their story is commemorated with a mausoleum in the city and has inspired numerous works of art and literature.

Teruel played a significant role during the Spanish Civil War. The Battle of Teruel, one of the war's fiercest engagements, took place from December 1937 to February 1938. Both Nationalist and Republican forces suffered heavy casualties in the freezing winter conditions. The city changed hands several times before ultimately falling to Franco's Nationalist forces. This battle was pivotal in the eventual outcome of the war.

Today, Teruel is a vibrant city that celebrates its rich history and cultural heritage. The annual Fiesta de los Amantes, held in February, reenacts the story of the Lovers of Teruel and attracts visitors from around the world. The city also boasts a thriving gastronomy scene, known particularly for its Jamón de Teruel, a type of cured ham that has gained Protected Designation of Origin status.

Teruel is located in the autonomous community of Aragon in northeastern Spain. The nearest major airports are Valencia Airport (approximately 140 kilometers) and Zaragoza Airport (around 160 kilometers). From these airports, you can rent a car, take a bus, or use the train service to reach Teruel. The train journey from Valencia to Teruel takes about 2 hours, while the bus ride can take a bit longer. Alternatively, you can drive to Teruel via the A-23 highway, which connects it to both Valencia and Zaragoza.

Once in Teruel, the city is small enough to explore on foot. However, local buses are available for traveling within the city and to nearby towns. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car can be a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding region. The train station in Teruel offers connections to other major cities like Zaragoza and Valencia.

The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops within Teruel. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas. ATMs are available throughout the city, so you can easily withdraw cash if needed.

Teruel is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any city, it's important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local hospital in Teruel is Obispo Polanco Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable walking shoes and casual attire, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when entering churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a simple 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to food recommendations. Don't leave a large tip; a small amount is generally sufficient as service charges are usually included.

To experience Teruel like a local, visit the Mercado de Teruel, where you can buy fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with locals in cafes and tapas bars to learn more about the city's history and culture. Don't miss the chance to explore the Mudéjar architecture, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, visit during the 'Fiestas del Ángel' in July, a traditional festival that showcases local culture and festivities.