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PhrasesVisiting a ChurchA che ora sono i vespri?
B1formal

A che ora sono i vespri?

What time are vespers?

Pronunciation

ah keh OH-rah SO-noh ee VES-pree.

When to use it

When you want to attend the evening prayer service. Vespers is one of the most beautiful liturgical moments in Italian churches, often accompanied by Gregorian chant.

What it means

I vespri are vespers — the evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, typically sung at sunset. Many Italian monasteries and basilicas sing vespers with Gregorian chant. It is open to all visitors and is deeply moving.

Variations

I vespri sono cantati?

Are vespers sung?

Asking whether it is the sung or spoken form.

C'è il canto gregoriano?

Is there Gregorian chant?

Asking specifically about the ancient monophonic chant.

Posso assistere anche se non sono credente?

Can I attend even if I am not a believer?

Confirming openness to non-believers.

Mini Dialogue

— A che ora sono i vespri? — Alle diciassette e trenta, cantati dai monaci. — C'è il canto gregoriano? — Sì, in latino — è un'esperienza straordinaria. — Posso fermarmi ad ascoltare? — Certamente. Si sieda in fondo e ascolti.

— What time are vespers? — At five thirty, sung by the monks. — Is there Gregorian chant? — Yes, in Latin — it is an extraordinary experience. — May I stay and listen? — Certainly. Sit at the back and listen.

Cultural Note

The monastery of Sant'Antimo in Tuscany near Montalcino is renowned for its small Augustinian community that sings Gregorian chant at every daily office. Visitors arrive from around the world to experience the haunting beauty of monastic chant in a twelfth-century Romanesque church. The experience is free and open to all.