Zaragoza: The Heartbeat of Aragon

• 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
  [Grah-thyas]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Pair-dohn/Lo see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh eh-stahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr lah kar-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 po-lee-thee-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [Es-toy pair-dee-doh/pair-dee-dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [Es-toy en-fehr-moh/en-fehr-mah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-loh es-toy meer-an-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [Es-toh es deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [Pweh-des reh-bah-har el pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (las diez)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (las d'yehs)]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Says]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [D'yehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-deh es-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl es lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-des mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [Oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)]

Zaragoza, originally known as Caesaraugusta, was founded in 14 BC by the Romans. Named after Emperor Augustus, the city became a significant hub in the Roman Empire, boasting impressive infrastructure such as the forum, theatre, and public baths. The remnants of these structures can still be visited today, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Zaragoza came under Visigothic control in the 5th century. In 714 AD, the city was conquered by the Moors, becoming part of the Emirate of Córdoba. Under Islamic rule, Zaragoza flourished as a center of learning and culture, with notable advancements in science, philosophy, and the arts.

In 1118, Alfonso I of Aragon successfully captured Zaragoza from the Moors, marking a pivotal moment in the Reconquista. The city became the capital of the Kingdom of Aragon, playing a crucial role in the formation of modern Spain. The construction of significant landmarks such as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar began during this period.

The 16th century ushered in a Golden Age for Zaragoza, characterized by economic prosperity and cultural richness. The city became a focal point for Renaissance art and architecture. The Lonja de Zaragoza, an exquisite example of Aragonese Renaissance architecture, and numerous palaces and churches were constructed during this period.

Zaragoza played a significant role during the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714), siding with the Habsburg claimant, Charles VI. After the Bourbon victory, Philip V imposed harsh reprisals on the city. Despite this, Zaragoza continued to grow, adapting to the new Bourbon administration and experiencing infrastructural modernization.

One of the most dramatic episodes in Zaragoza's history occurred during the Peninsular War (1808-1814). The city endured two brutal sieges by Napoleonic forces in 1808 and 1809. The resilience and heroism of its citizens, particularly figures like Agustina de Aragón, became legendary, symbolizing Spanish resistance against French occupation.

The 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid industrialization and modernization in Zaragoza. The arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century transformed the city's economy, fostering growth in manufacturing and commerce. The Exposición Hispano-Francesa of 1908 marked Zaragoza's emergence as a modern industrial city, celebrating its cultural and technological advancements.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Zaragoza was a strategic stronghold for Franco's Nationalist forces. The post-war period brought significant challenges, but also saw the city's gradual recovery and development. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed urban expansion, economic diversification, and a resurgence of cultural activities.

In 2008, Zaragoza hosted the International Exposition (Expo 2008), focusing on water and sustainable development. This event revitalized the city, leading to the construction of modern infrastructure such as the Zaragoza Expo complex and the iconic Bridge Pavilion. Today, Zaragoza is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with contemporary innovation.

Zaragoza is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The city has its own airport, Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ), located about 10 kilometers west of the city center. It serves several European destinations, making it convenient for international travelers. Alternatively, you can fly into Madrid or Barcelona and take a high-speed AVE train, which takes about 1.5 hours from Madrid and 1.75 hours from Barcelona. Buses and regional trains also offer connections from various parts of Spain.

Getting around Zaragoza is straightforward thanks to its efficient public transportation system. The city has an extensive network of buses and trams operated by TUZSA. You can buy single tickets, but if you plan to use public transport frequently, consider purchasing a multi-ride card. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. For shorter distances, renting a bike or walking can be an enjoyable way to explore the city's historic center.

The official currency in Zaragoza, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and you can withdraw euros using international cards.

Zaragoza is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded places like markets and public transport where pickpocketing can occur. The neighborhoods of Delicias and San José have higher crime rates, but these are mostly non-violent crimes. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, medical, and fire services. Zaragoza has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet and Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa. Pharmacies are widespread and usually open from 9 AM to 9 PM, with some offering 24-hour service. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly casual clothing in such settings. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially in churches. Avoid loud behavior and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers and those with disabilities. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días'. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like 'tapas' and 'paella'. Don't rush your meals; dining is a relaxed and social occasion.

To experience Zaragoza like a local, visit the Mercado Central de Zaragoza, where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Enjoy a stroll along the Ebro River and take in the views of the Basilica del Pilar. Try to catch a local 'jota' performance, a traditional dance of Aragón. If you're visiting during the Fiestas del Pilar in October, don't miss the parades, concerts, and fireworks.