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PhrasesAsking DirectionsVicino a cosa si trova?
A2

Vicino a cosa si trova?

What is it near?

Pronunciation

vi-CI-no a KO-sa — stress on second syllable of each key word.

When to use it

Ask this when someone tells you a place is in a certain area but you need a more specific landmark to find it.

What it means

Vicino a cosa si trova (near what is it located) — vicino a (near to), cosa (what), si trova (is located, reflexive of trovarsi). This question asks for a point of reference — a landmark, shop, or well-known building near the destination.

Variations

Che punto di riferimento c'è vicino?

What landmark is there nearby?

Punto di riferimento (reference point/landmark) — more formal phrasing

C'è qualcosa di famoso vicino?

Is there something famous nearby?

Qualcosa di famoso — something recognizable to help you orient

Tra quali vie si trova?

Between which streets is it located?

Asking for the cross-street reference — useful in grid-pattern cities

Mini Dialogue

— Il ristorante si chiama 'Da Mario'. Vicino a cosa si trova? — È vicino alla chiesa di San Lorenzo — la riconosce dal portone verde antico. — E se non la vedo? — Chieda a chiunque 'dov'è San Lorenzo' — tutti lo sanno.

— The restaurant is called 'Da Mario'. What is it near? — It is near the church of San Lorenzo — you recognise it by the old green portal. — And if I don't see it? — Ask anyone 'where is San Lorenzo' — everyone knows it.

Cultural Note

In Italian cities, churches are the primary navigational landmarks — virtually every Italian can direct you relative to the nearest church, and church names rarely change over centuries unlike street names which are sometimes renamed for political reasons.