I have never had an ATM charge a fee. I use ATMs connected to a bank. My bank charges me for using a different bank's ATM but not the Italian bank.

NO. No ATMs anywhere in Europe charge fees, except possibly private ATMs such as those you might find in a 7-11 in the USA. But bank ATMs? No.

Your bank might charge you for using another bank's ATM and there will probably be a foreign transaction fee (1% to 3%) but the Italian bank ATM won't charge you.

Fees (if any) come from your HOME bank.

Those connected to banks do NOT charge fees (although your home bank may be charging you a fee). However, commercial ATMs, that you find in stores or hotels, etc may have small fees - just like in the US. You're paying for the convenience of not finding a bank.

We paid about 3 euro per withdrawal - but at least we were withdrawing 500 euro at a time, so it's not too horrible.

<< Your bank might charge you for using another bank's ATM and there will probably be a foreign transaction fee (1% to 3%) but the Italian bank ATM won't charge you >>

Your bank will not charge you a foreign transaction fee for ATM withdrawals using you ATM card. Foreign transaction fees are applied to some credit cards for credit card purchases.

However, your bank may charge you an ATM usage fee for using a bank outside of their network.

People are mixing up a couple categories here.

The foreign transaction fee is on charge card purchasess not when using your debit card at a *bank* ATM.

Fees are possible at stand-alone ATMs in Europe same as the rest of the world, if they are that kiosk-type you see in shops, restaurants, etc. that are NOT bank ATMs.