Casco Histórico: Zaragoza's Timeless Heart

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-thyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-thah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thee-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vohr]
• 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-vohr]

• 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 pehr-dee-doh/dah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• 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-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-thyoh]

• 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 (las diez)
  [ee meh-thee-ah (lahs dyehs)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-tcheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kooah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seh-ees]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

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

Zaragoza, known as Caesaraugusta in ancient times, was established by the Romans in 14 BC. The Casco Histórico area is rich with remnants of this era, including the ruins of the Roman theatre and the impressive city walls. These structures testify to the city's importance as a strategic military and trade center in Hispania.

During the 8th century, Zaragoza fell under Muslim rule, which lasted for several centuries. This period greatly influenced the architecture and culture of the Casco Histórico, evident in the stunning Mudejar-style buildings, such as the iconic La Seo Cathedral. The blending of Islamic and Christian elements created a unique cultural tapestry that defines the neighborhood.

In 1118, Zaragoza was reclaimed by Christian forces under King Alfonso I. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Casco Histórico, where churches and cathedrals were constructed over former mosques. The Cathedral of La Seo, built on the site of a former mosque, reflects the city’s transition and the Christianization of the region.

The Casco Histórico witnessed significant upheaval during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The area served as a battleground, and many historical buildings were damaged or destroyed. The aftermath of the war required extensive restoration efforts, leading to a renewed appreciation for the neighborhood's historical significance.

Today, the Casco Histórico stands as a vibrant cultural hub, blending historical heritage with contemporary life. The neighborhood is home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events, showcasing Zaragoza's rich history and artistic spirit. The annual Fiestas del Pilar, celebrating the city's patroness, draws locals and tourists alike, further cementing the area's role in Zaragoza's cultural identity.

Casco Histórico is centrally located in Zaragoza and easily accessible from other neighbourhoods. The main railway station, Zaragoza-Delicias, connects to Casco Histórico via local buses (lines 34 and 51), which take approximately 20 minutes. If you're coming from Zaragoza Airport, take the Aerobus to the city center, then transfer to local buses or walk to reach the historic district. Taxis are also readily available and can be a convenient option for direct transport.

Casco Histórico is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it ideal for exploring on foot. The local tram network, known as 'Tranvía,' can be used to access nearby areas, with stops at Plaza de España and the Basilica del Pilar. Bicycles can be rented from various bike-sharing services throughout the city, and there are dedicated bike lanes for safe travel. Public buses are also available for longer distances, with multiple stops throughout the neighbourhood.

Casco Histórico is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas like the Plaza del Pilar and market streets. It is advisable to keep valuable items secure and be vigilant in busy places. Avoid poorly lit or isolated streets at night. While violent crime is rare, it's best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number is valid for police, medical, and fire emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available, with the closest hospital being Hospital Clínico Universitario. Pharmacies are scattered throughout Casco Histórico, and many offer 24-hour service. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, and dress appropriately for visiting religious sites (modest clothing). Don't wear overly casual or revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, such as covering your head in churches. Don't take photos inside places of worship without permission. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and give up your seat to those in need. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' or a handshake. Don’t be overly formal; a warm approach is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like tapas and Aragón wines. Don’t rush through meals, as dining is a social affair in Spain.

To experience Casco Histórico like a local, visit the Mercado Central for fresh produce and traditional foods. Engage with local cafes and try a 'tapa' while enjoying a coffee or a glass of local wine. Take time to explore the smaller streets and plazas, where you can find hidden gems and local shops. Don't miss the chance to attend local festivals or events, as they offer a glimpse into the culture and community spirit of Zaragoza.