Cervinia: The Alpine Jewel of Italy

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore
  [pehr fah-VOH-reh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [GRAHT-zyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi
  [mee SKOO-zee]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [KOH-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [BEH-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [PAHR-lee een-GLEH-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-PEES-koh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-RAY veh-DEH-reh eel MEH-noo, pehr fah-VOH-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
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• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-LOO-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-RAY pah-GAH-reh, pehr fah-VOH-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-YOO-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vy VY-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la polizia!
  [kyah-MAH-teh lah poh-LEE-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un dottore!
  [kyah-MAH-teh oon doh-TOH-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
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• I'm illSono malato
  [SOH-noh mah-LAH-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
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• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh SOH-loh gwar-DAHN-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
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• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh TROH-po KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [POO-oy ahb-bah-SAH-reh eel PREH-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh OH-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
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• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
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• MorningMattina
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• AfternoonPomeriggio
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• EveningSera
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• YesterdayIeri
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• TodayOggi
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• TomorrowDomani
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• 1Uno
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• 2Due
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• 4Quattro
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• 5Cinque
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• 6Sei
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• 7Sette
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• 8Otto
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• 9Nove
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• 10Dieci
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• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-VEH]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-REET-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [POO-oy mohs-TRAHR-mee SOOL-lah MAHP-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [KWAHN-doh eh eel PROHS-sih-moh OW-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-YET-toh pehr]

Cervinia, located in the Aosta Valley in northwestern Italy, finds its roots in the ancient Walser community. The Walsers, a German-speaking mountain people, settled in the area around the 12th century. They were known for their unique alpine architecture, which can still be seen in some of the region's oldest buildings.

Originally known as Breuil, which means 'land of many waters' in the local dialect, the area was renamed Cervinia in the early 20th century. The name change was part of a larger movement to Italianize place names during the Fascist era. The name 'Cervinia' is derived from the Italian word for deer, 'cervo,' reflecting the area's rich wildlife.

One of Cervinia's most iconic landmarks is the Matterhorn, or Monte Cervino, which stands at 4,478 meters. The first successful ascent of the Matterhorn was in 1865 by a team led by Edward Whymper. This event marked a significant moment in mountaineering history and made Cervinia a focal point for climbers and adventurers.

The early 20th century saw Cervinia transform into a premier skiing destination. The construction of the first ski lifts in the 1930s and the establishment of the Breuil-Cervinia Ski Area in the 1950s attracted tourists from all over the world. Today, Cervinia boasts one of the largest and most well-connected ski areas in the Alps, linking with Zermatt in Switzerland.

During World War II, Cervinia was affected by the conflict as it lay on the border with Switzerland. The area saw the movement of partisans and became a strategic location for both Axis and Allied forces. After the war, Cervinia quickly resumed its development as a tourist destination, benefiting from the post-war economic boom.

In recent decades, Cervinia has continued to grow as a year-round tourist destination. The town has expanded its amenities to include luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. Cervinia remains a blend of rich history and modern tourism, attracting visitors who seek both adventure and cultural enrichment.

Cervinia is located in the Aosta Valley region of northwest Italy. The nearest international airport is Turin Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a train to Chatillon-Saint-Vincent and then a bus to Cervinia. Alternatively, you can rent a car for a more direct route. Milan Malpensa Airport and Geneva Airport are also viable options, each around 2 to 3 hours away by car.

Cervinia is a compact town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the surrounding areas, local buses and taxis are available. There are also shuttle services connecting Cervinia to nearby ski resorts. Renting a car can provide more flexibility, especially for visiting remote areas or traveling on your schedule.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Cervinia. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available in town, making it convenient to withdraw cash as needed.

Cervinia is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Cervinia, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Cervinia has a local medical clinic and a pharmacy for minor health issues. For more serious medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Aosta, approximately 60 kilometers away. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress warmly and in layers, especially during the winter season. Avoid wearing overly flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and keep your voice low. Public Transport: Do be considerate of other passengers and give up your seat for elderly or disabled individuals. Don't make loud noises or consume food and drinks on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a simple 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is also customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like polenta and fontina cheese. Don't rush meals; Italians enjoy their food and the dining experience.

To experience Cervinia like a local, visit the town's local markets and small family-owned restaurants. Enjoy the après-ski culture by relaxing in local bars and cafes after a day on the slopes. Engage in conversations with locals who are often willing to share insights about the best ski routes and hidden gems in the area. Don't miss the opportunity to take a cable car ride up to Plateau Rosà for stunning views of the Matterhorn.