Phrases › Visiting Ancient Ruins › Quando è stata costruita questa struttura?

Quando è stata costruita questa struttura?

When was this structure built?

Pronunciation

co-strui-TA — stress on final syllable of 'costruita'. The passive form uses 'è stata' + past participle.

When to use it

Ask a guide or read from a sign when you want historical dating information. A fundamental question at any ruin. Also useful when there are multiple construction phases visible.

What it means

The passive form 'è stata costruita' (was built) is essential for discussing historical monuments. Italian uses the passive more naturally than English in formal/historical contexts. Alternative active constructions like 'i Romani la costruirono' (the Romans built it) are equally correct.

Variations

Risale a quale epoca?

Which era does it date back to?

'Risalire a' = to date back to. Very common in historical contexts.

Di quale periodo è?

What period is it from?

Simpler alternative — asks for the historical period.

Quanti anni ha questa rovina?

How old is this ruin?

Direct age question — natural in casual conversation.

Mini Dialogue

— Quando è stata costruita questa struttura? — Le fondamenta risalgono al II secolo a.C., ma fu ampliata durante l'epoca imperiale. — Quindi ha più di duemila anni. — Esatto. Ed è ancora in ottime condizioni considering the time that has passed. — È incredibile.

— When was this structure built? — The foundations date back to the 2nd century BC, but it was expanded during the imperial era. — So it is more than two thousand years old. — Exactly. And it is still in excellent condition considering the time that has passed. — It's incredible.

Cultural Note

Italians refer to historical eras using: 'a.C.' (avanti Cristo = BC) and 'd.C.' (dopo Cristo = AD). 'L'epoca romana' = Roman era; 'l'epoca imperiale' = Imperial era; 'l'antichità' = antiquity in general.

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