casco antiguo
/ˌkasko anˈtiɡwo/
In Spanish, 'old quarter' is translated as casco antiguo.
casco antiguo is the standard term used in most Spanish-speaking countries to refer to the historic district of a city.
What does it mean word for word?
The term casco literally means 'helmet' or 'shell', used here metaphorically to refer to the 'shell' or core of a city.
Which one should you use?
Centro Histórico translates to Historic Center.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Madrid, Spain, Casco Histórico is used as an alternative way to express the concept of an Old Quarter.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkasko anˈtiɡwo/
Did you know?
- While the modern word is antiguo, in Ladino and Portuguese it remains antigo. The Spanish version changed because the feminine form antigua influenced the masculine spelling over time.
- In some Spanish cities, a casco can refer specifically to the original fortified wall that once surrounded the town, even if the walls are now gone.
- While casco antiguo is common, using Centro Histórico in many Latin American cities implies a specific administrative zone protected by formal laws rather than just a descriptive term for an old area.
Examples in context
- Si visitas Barcelona, no puedes perderte el Casco Antiguo, donde encontrarás calles estrechas y una arquitectura fascinante.If you visit Barcelona, you cannot miss the Old Quarter, where you'll find narrow streets and fascinating architecture.
- El Centro Histórico de la Ciudad de México es un crisol de historia, gastronomía y arquitectura única.The Historic Center of Mexico City is a melting pot of history, gastronomy, and unique architecture.
- El Casco Histórico de Toledo es un auténtico tesoro medieval lleno de calles empedradas y edificios históricos.The Historic Center of Toledo is an authentic medieval treasure filled with cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
- El casco antiguo es muy bonito.The old quarter is very beautiful.
- Me gusta pasear por el casco antiguo.I like walking through the old quarter.
- Hay muchos museos en el casco antiguo.There are many museums in the old quarter.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are planning their sightseeing route in a new city.
- María¿Quieres ir al casco antiguo hoy?Do you want to go to the old quarter today?
- DanielSí, quiero ver la catedral.Yes, I want to see the cathedral.
- MaríaEl casco antiguo es muy hermoso.The old quarter is very beautiful.
- DanielTengo muchas ganas de conocerlo, María.I am really looking forward to seeing it, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry casco antiguo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries antiguo, casco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
