If you are new in Verona, you may have already discovered a small mystery: shops often close exactly when you need them. Need a pen at 12:45? Closed. Looking for socks at 7:35 p.m.? Closed again. Bad luck? Not really. Welcome to the Italian timetable.
In many countries, shops stay open all day and sometimes even 24 hours. In Italy, however, the traditional schedule is quite different. Many small shops open around 9 a.m., close for lunch between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., and reopen in the afternoon until about 7 or 7:30 p.m.
Why does this happen? First, lunch in Italy is serious business. It is not just a quick sandwich at the desk. Many shop owners prefer to go home, eat a proper meal, and spend some time with their family before returning to work.
And then there is another important Italian tradition: the famous “pennichella”, the small afternoon nap. After a good plate of pasta, a short rest can be very tempting. Even if not everyone actually sleeps, the idea of slowing down for a while in the middle of the day is still part of the culture.
Another reason is the structure of Italian commerce. Many shops are small family businesses, not large international chains. Often, the owner is the person behind the counter all day, so working continuously from morning to evening would be exhausting.
The result is a system that is charming but sometimes confusing for newcomers. It may seem that shops have a special talent for closing exactly when you suddenly remember you need something.
But don’t worry. After a few months in Verona, you will learn the secret skill every local has: planning your shopping carefully… and never forgetting to buy that pen before lunchtime.
David Benedetti
