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PhrasesVisiting a ChurchDov'è la sacrestia?
B1formal

Dov'è la sacrestia?

Where is the sacristy?

Pronunciation

doh-VEH la sah-KRES-tyah. Alternative spelling: sacristia — both are used.

When to use it

When you need to find the sacristy to ask about the church, request a guide, buy a ticket, or speak to the sacristan (sacrestano). The sacristy is the administrative and practical heart of an Italian church.

What it means

La sacrestia (also sacristia) is the room adjacent to the altar where vestments and sacred vessels are kept and priests prepare for Mass. In Italian churches, the sacrestano (sacristan) is the person to approach for information.

Variations

C'è un sacrestano disponibile?

Is there a sacristan available?

Asking if the sacristan is present and free to help.

Posso parlare con il parroco?

Can I speak with the parish priest?

If you need to speak with the actual priest.

Dove si paga il biglietto per il tesoro?

Where do you pay for the treasury ticket?

Often sold in or near the sacristy.

Mini Dialogue

— Dov'è la sacrestia? — Attraversi l'altare maggiore e giri a sinistra — è quella porta. — Grazie. Ho una domanda sulla storia della chiesa. — Il sacrestano è lì — può aiutarla. — Perfetto.

— Where is the sacristy? — Cross behind the high altar and turn left — it is that door. — Thank you. I have a question about the history of the church. — The sacristan is there — he can help you. — Perfect.

Cultural Note

The Old Sacristy (Sagrestia Vecchia) and New Sacristy (Sagrestia Nuova) of San Lorenzo in Florence are two of Michelangelo's greatest architectural works. The New Sacristy houses his famous Medici tombs with the figures of Night, Day, Dawn, and Dusk — among the most powerful sculptures ever created.