Squat Toilets in Italy: A Fun (and Weird) Cultural Experience
Hold Up! I’m here in Italy to experience culture and learn a new language but I didn’t know it also meant having to use a squat toilet.
Yes, A Squat Toilet!
I wanted to share something pretty funny (and slightly weird) I discovered here in Italy and in my school. I’m sure most of you are like me and would expect to find regular Western-style toilets wherever you go, right? But nope, Italy has these old-school squat toilets, and I wasn’t exactly prepared for them.
Basically, a squat toilet is just a ceramic hole in the ground with two little footrests on either side. You’re supposed to squat over it, which, let’s be real, isn’t something you do every day unless you’re a pro gymnast.
It’s a bit intimidating at first because, well, there’s no seat, and it’s all about balance, flexibility, and hoping you don’t fall into the toilet (seriously, no one wants that).
You’ll mostly find squat toilets in older buildings or in rural areas where they haven’t updated their restrooms yet. I came across a few of these in train stations, rest stops, and some older restaurants. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it, especially since in big cities like Rome, most places have modern toilets. But when you’re out in the countryside or visiting historic places, you might find yourself staring down at a squat toilet.
I remember walking into the restroom of my school, and I was like, Uh…I don’t think so.
My school is well known for being a hard school to be in when it comes to science, most students come to this school because they want to be scientists, researchers, physicians or in some type of medical field but it was originally a convent connected to a church in the city of Pavia so the building is pretty old.
This is why in our school building we have squat toilets, let’s just say I hold going to the restroom till I get home, Thank God we get out of school early every day.
Some people say squat toilets are actually more hygienic because you don’t have to sit on a possibly gross toilet seat, and I kind of get that now. But I don’t think I could get used to it.
If you ever find yourself facing a squat toilet in Italy, don’t freak out. It’s just part of the country’s charm and history. It’s all about embracing the experience (and maybe getting a little workout in while you’re at it). Trust me, it’ll be something you’ll remember!
You can count me out of this experience in Italy.
Till next time, remember to flush.
Zoe