• Shower pull cords – Showers and bathtubs in the hotels in Italy have strings or thin ropes hanging from the wall or ceiling, usually somewhere near the faucets, and there’s almost no explanation of what these are. They’re for emergencies, if you fall in the shower and need help, and while they make no sound when you pull them they do alert someone at the front desk. In other words, unless you actually need help, don’t pull those cords.

http://livingwithabroadintuscany.blogspot.com/2012/03/tackling-italian-bathrooms-mysteries.html

http://magicofmiles.boardingarea.com/2015/06/22/the-italian-bathroom-cord-mystery/

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/hotel-bathrooms