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PhrasesVisiting a ChurchC'è accesso alla cripta?
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C'è accesso alla cripta?

Is there access to the crypt?

Pronunciation

cheh ah-CHES-soh al-lah KRIP-tah.

When to use it

When you want to visit the underground area of a historic church. Italian crypts often contain ancient relics, tombs, and archaeological remains from earlier periods.

What it means

C'è accesso means is there access. Alla cripta means to the crypt. La cripta is the underground chamber beneath the main floor of a church, typically containing tombs and relics. Many Italian crypts preserve early Christian or medieval remains.

Variations

La cripta è inclusa nel biglietto?

Is the crypt included in the ticket?

Crypts sometimes require separate payment.

Ci sono scavi archeologici sotto la chiesa?

Are there archaeological excavations under the church?

Many Italian churches are built over earlier structures.

Dove sono sepolti i santi?

Where are the saints buried?

Asking about the location of relics or tombs.

Mini Dialogue

— C'è accesso alla cripta? — Sì, l'ingresso è in fondo alla navata sinistra. Costa tre euro. — Cosa c'è nella cripta? — Tombe paleocristiane e i resti della basilica originale del IV secolo. — Interessantissimo. Scendo subito.

— Is there access to the crypt? — Yes, the entrance is at the end of the left nave. It costs three euros. — What is in the crypt? — Paleo-Christian tombs and the remains of the original fourth-century basilica. — Very interesting. I'll go down straight away.

Cultural Note

The crypt of St Peter's Basilica (the Vatican Grottoes) contains the tombs of many popes including John Paul II. The Scavi (excavations) beneath St Peter's, revealing the necropolis and Peter's probable tomb, require advance booking months ahead and are among the most moving experiences in Rome.