The cord in Italian showers is an alarm system that is required by building codes.
The cord and alarm system in showers in Italy is required by code especially for places renting out rooms or hotels as a safety measure in case someone falls in the shower or is sick or has any medical need for help.
If you slip or fall in the shower you pull the string and help will come.
In the Italian showers the cord if pulled, rings a buzzer.
In theory, it's supposed to be a safety feature; if you were to slip in the bathtub or the shower, you can ring for help.
This measure concerning showers and tubs became mandatory in 1989 only for bathrooms that have to be handicap accessible - i.e., those located in public places.
Sometimes instead of a shower stall, the shower is in a free-standing bathtub, which may or may not have a curtain or barrier.
In this situation, the 'shower' is usually hand-held, and if there's no barrier, be careful you don't spray water all over the bathroom.
Never go out with wet hair in Italy.
If you want to see an Italian seriously lose their cool, just go out with wet hair.
In Italy, if you go out without drying your hair, you'll risk getting a “colpo d'aria” – or, literally, a “blast of air”.
This is said to cause anything from a sore neck to indigestion.