I've come to collect a parcel.
ri-ti-RA-re — four syllables; stress on the third. The 'r' before 'i' is lightly rolled.
Use this when you've received an avviso di giacenza (missed delivery notice) and need to collect a parcel from the post office. Bring the notice and your ID.
'Sono venuto' (I have come — masculine) / 'Sono venuta' (feminine) uses the passato prossimo with essere. 'Ritirare' means to collect / pick up. You will need to present the avviso di giacenza slip and a valid ID document. Parcels are held for 30 days before being returned to the sender.
Ho ricevuto un avviso di giacenza.
I received a missed delivery notice.
'Avviso di giacenza' = the slip left when a delivery attempt fails
Non ero in casa quando è passato il postino.
I wasn't at home when the postman came.
Explaining the situation — not always necessary but can help
Posso delegare qualcuno a ritirare il pacco per me?
Can I delegate someone to collect the parcel on my behalf?
Delegation (delega) is possible with a written authorisation and copies of both IDs
The avviso di giacenza is one of Italy's most recognised pieces of bureaucratic paper. It is left in the letterbox when a delivery attempt fails. Italians dread finding one, knowing it means a trip to the post office, often with long queues. Since 2020, Poste Italiane has improved digital notification systems allowing recipients to book collection appointments.