Italians have a similar mid-afternoon nap time by the name of “riposo”. These naps are taken as the typical time most Italians wake up is around sunrise, so it makes sense as to why they need a quick rest around 2pm or so. They're also fans of their coffees, so whether it's a riposo or a cappuccino, Italians enjoy it.

Yes, the tradition of the afternoon rest, known as the pennicella or more broadly as the riposo, remains a cultural staple in Italy in 2026, particularly in southern regions and smaller towns. Between roughly 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM, many shops, family-owned businesses, and even some smaller museums close their doors to allow workers to enjoy a long lunch and a nap. This practice evolved as a way to escape the peak midday heat and to facilitate the "sacred" family meal. While high-paced urban centers like Milan or Rome have moved toward more standardized 9-to-5 office schedules due to global business demands, the "afternoon slump" is still widely respected in the public sector and retail. For tourists, this means planning activities around these "quiet hours" when streets may seem deserted and local services are temporarily paused before the lively passeggiata (evening stroll) begins.