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PhrasesAsking DirectionsC'è una scala mobile o un ascensore?
A2

C'è una scala mobile o un ascensore?

Is there an escalator or a lift?

Pronunciation

SCA-la — stress on first syllable. mo-BI-le — stress on second syllable. a-scen-SO-re — stress on third syllable.

When to use it

When navigating a multi-level area (shopping centre, station, hill town) and looking for accessibility options.

What it means

'Scala mobile' (escalator) literally means 'moving staircase'. 'Ascensore' (lift/elevator). These are essential questions in Italy's hilly cities (Genoa, Perugia) which have public lifts and escalators connecting different levels. Many Italian train stations have escalators between platforms.

Variations

C'è un ascensore per arrivare al castello?

Is there a lift to reach the castle?

Many hilltop castles have modern accessibility additions

Dov'è la scala mobile per il centro?

Where is the escalator to the centre?

Perugia has famous public escalators into the old town

È accessibile con la carrozzina?

Is it accessible with a wheelchair?

Check before planning a route with mobility issues

Mini Dialogue

— C'è una scala mobile o un ascensore per arrivare al centro storico? — Sì, c'è la scala mobile — è quella entrata là in fondo. — Quanto ci vuole? — Tre minuti, gratuita, aperta fino alle ventidue.

— Is there an escalator or a lift to reach the historic centre? — Yes, there's an escalator — it's that entrance down there at the end. — How long does it take? — Three minutes, free, open until 10pm.

Cultural Note

Perugia, Umbria's capital, has a famous system of public escalators (scale mobili) and moving walkways running 1.5km from the lower town to the hilltop historic centre. Assisi has a lift from the lower town. Orvieto has a funicular railway. These facilities are free or very cheap and are an iconic part of these cities' character.