Can I receive visits from my family?
vi-ZI-te — three syllables, stress on second. 'Familiari' — fa-mi-LYA-ri.
Ask the nurse about visiting hours and rules when admitted to hospital.
'Ricevere visite' = to receive visits. 'Familiari' = family members. Italian hospital visiting hours ('orari di visita') are typically set by each ward — usually 2 hours in the afternoon and sometimes 1 hour in the evening. ICU and surgery wards have stricter rules. COVID-19 significantly changed Italian hospital visiting policies, which remain more restricted than pre-2020.
Quali sono gli orari di visita?
What are the visiting hours?
Ask for specific times — they vary by ward and hospital
Possono portarmi qualcosa da casa?
Can they bring me something from home?
Families bringing food and personal items from home is very common in Italian hospitals
Quante persone alla volta possono venire?
How many people can come at once?
Visitor limits are now common — typically 1-2 at a time
The Italian tradition of 'andare a trovare' (visiting) sick relatives in hospital is deeply cultural. Hospitals were historically open to family visitors throughout the day. Post-COVID restrictions (2020-2023) dramatically reduced visiting and this has not fully returned to pre-pandemic norms. Italian families play an important practical role in patient care — providing emotional support, advocacy, and bringing comfort items. Many Italian nursing homes ('case di cura') are struggling to balance family involvement with infection control.