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Why do Italian bathrooms not have toilet seats?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 09, 2026

There are no toilet seats in public restrooms throughout Italy and apparently you still haven't encountered Turkish-style toilets (bagno alla turca). Hygiene conscious Italians prefer not to sit on a public toilet seat.

Why do French toilets have no seats?

There were still some toilets with no seats but the porcelain is actually more hygenic than plastic. It was obvious from the shape of some that they were manufactured to be without seats. There were lots of the self-contained, self cleaning type, especially in Paris and free to use.

How do people use the bathroom in Italy?

It might sound funny, but some older public bathrooms in Italy have sinks operated by foot-pedal. So if you find yourself waving at the sink like an old long-lost friend to no avail, look to your feet. If there is a pedal on the floor (usually red) step on it, and there you go!

Why do Italian bathrooms have 2 toilets?

Italian bidets are basically used to keep yourself extra clean, and they even prevent infections. I promise that, after trying one, you'll look back on your previous bathroom rituals with mild displeasure.

Why are European toilets different?

European toilets typically utilize a washdown flushing system in which water inside the toilet is forced out through water flowing from the rim of the bowl. The neck of the toilet hole tends to be larger so there is less of a chance of clogs, but the bowls may require more frequent cleaning from any leftover residue.

33 related questions found

Why do American toilets block so easily?

America's plumbing is different to that in other countries, it's narrower, which explains why America's weird toilets are so easy to block. Invest in a heavy duty plunger, because you're definitely going to need one.

Why do toilets in Germany have a shelf?

Instead of excretions making the plunge straight into the water, this toilet has a prominent shelf midway to catch everything. The natural question is why, oh why!, would Germans create this? And Germans have a practical, disgusting answer. I m told that the shelf is indeed to catch one's leavings for examination.

What is the little sink next to the toilet in Italy?

Bidets are found in pretty much every Italian home and hotel but are seen as a little too fancy for public restrooms. (Though even that is not unheard of). They are almost always standalone bidets, which are located next to or close to the toilet.

Why are bidets mandatory in Italy?

Italians, on the other hand, use their bidets constantly. Although invented, named, then largely abandoned by the French, they've become a symbol of Italian hygiene supremacy. There's even a building law stating that every home must have one.

Does Italy have squat toilets?

Squat toilets are generally non-existent in Northern and Western Europe. France and Italy are an exception and have some squat toilets remaining in old buildings and public toilets because they used to be the norm there in the early 20th century.

How do you pee in Italy?

Peeing in Italy: Rule #2 + Prepare Thyself for Public Toilets. Rule #2 to peeing in Italy, especially in smaller villages, is always pee when you have the opportunity. Museums tend to have the nicest toilets, but not always.

What is a bathroom called in Italy?

You can say bagno, but this noun also means bathroom. There is the French “toilette” that is also used in the Italian language, or if you're a bit posh, you can ask for the servizi igienici (sanitary services). But perhaps the most precise translation for toilet is gabinetto (masculine, plural gabinetti).

Do bidets get poop on them?

No, bidets don't spray poop everywhere when you use them. Bidets use a concentrated stream of water specifically directed to cleanse your backside and genitals. The waste does not get sprayed all over. Think of it as a safe, spotless wash for your butt.

What is a Dutch toilet?

Arguably the most alarming feature of a Water Closet is the infamous Dutch toilet bowl. Dutch engineers have designed the bowl itself to contain a plateau set well above the normal water level. To say the least, one must be very comfortable with themselves and all their excrements on the display shelf.

Why is French toilet paper pink?

When the world preferred white toilet paper, the French maintained theirs to be a shade of pink. We know too much bleach is bad for the environment. But no matter how much you convince a French, they don't want to have anything to do with white toilet paper.

What does a Japanese toilet do?

A Japanese toilet or smart toilet, as it's often referred to, is a toilet built with smart technology. Put simply, this means smart toilets can interact with their user via remote control access. With a press of the button, you can flush, spray and dry. As the name suggests, Japanese toilets originated in Japan.

Is there toilet paper in Italy?

France, Portugal, Italy, Japan, Argentina, Venezuela, and Spain: Instead of toilet paper, people from these countries (most of them from Europe) usually have a bidet in their washrooms. A bidet like a toilet, but also includes a spout that streams water like a water fountain to rinse you clean.

What is the toilet looking thing in European bathrooms?

A bidet (pronounced buh-day) is a basin used for cleaning yourself after using the bathroom. Bidets are common in Europe, Asia, and South America, so if you've ever traveled internationally, you've probably seen one.

Do you use a bidet after peeing?

What is a bidet? A bidet (pronounced bih-DAY) is a plumbing fixture designed to clean your rear. It goes to work after you urinate or have a bowel movement, eliminating the need for toilet paper. Some bidets attach to your toilet, either affixed to the side of the bowl or with a detachable hose.

Do bidets spray poop everywhere?

Bidets do not spray poop everywhere when used correctly, though some amount of splattering can occur. Excess pressure can cause stool to migrate to the scrotum or urethra. Most modern bidets use a gentle stream which reduces the potential for splashing. So, with the right pressure, cleansing shouldn't cause a mess.

Is a bidet for a man or a woman?

Are Bidets for Men, Women, Everyone? Yes, Yes, and Yes! Bidets are the most hygienic, energizing, and ecofriendly post-soil clean for everyone, but, like so many things in life, one bidet may not fit all.

How do you dry off after using a bidet?

The modern bidet seats even have drying options. If you press the 'Dry' button, provided there is one, the air dryer will dry the area. If you are using the traditional bidet, you can dry using toilet paper or a towel. In most public toilets with bidets, towels are provided on a ring next to it.

What is a poop shelf?

For those of you not in the know, the poop shelf toilet is a toilet that offers an unobstructed view of your waste, both solid and liquid, before it is whisked away into the darkness.

What are French toilets called?

A bidet is a plumbing fixture that is installed as a separate unit in the bathroom besides toilet, shower and sink, which users have to straddle. Some bidets resemble a large hand basin, with taps and a stopper so they can be filled up; other designs have a nozzle that squirts a jet of water to aid in cleansing.

Are there toilets in China?

There are two types of toilet in China, the western style” throne” and the squat toilet. The squat toilet is basically a elongated hole in the floor, with footrests on each sides, and sometimes a splash guard at one end. The user squats down low. And I mean low, if you don't want to splash all over the place.