Travelers need to be aware of the public holidays in Italy when planning a trip—as one should do when preparing to visit any destination. On public holidays, museums and other attractions may be closed and transportation schedules are often modified to accommodate reduced commuter demand. In addition, banks, post offices and schools are closed, and many businesses close, adjust their hours, or are short-staffed. 

I remember getting off a cruise ship in Brindisi (Puglia) on a public holiday only to find all the stores I hoped to visit were closed for the day. I wished that I had planned better and had chosen to book a shore excursion on that public holiday.