Italian churches have a set dress code if you want to enter them.
I have summarized the attire dos and don't so that you are well-prepared for your visit to these religious buildings.
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Why do Italian churches have attire rules?
Compared to other countries in Europe, Italy is known as a predominantly roman catholic country and the church is still ruling supreme.
Respect is an important virtue, and Italians still stick to the rules set by their ancestors.
Dressing modestly in religious churches, cathedrals, and basilicas is a sign of respect, in the eyes of the Italians.
Visitors are obliged to conform to this set etiquette when they visit Italy.
What to not wear when entering a church in Italy?
The rules apply to all genders and age groups in Italy. Some churches, cathedrals, and Basilicas are not that strict.
The most influential ones, such as the ones in Rome, the Milan Duomo and other major tourist destinations such as Venice, explicitly point out what to avoid wearing when visiting a church.
To be on the save side and err on the side of caution, avoid the following attire to comply with the Italian dress code etiquette.
Do NOT wear:
- tank tops, or anything that exposes your shoulders.
- mini shorts
- mini skirts
- mini dresses
- a shirt or attire that exposes your belly area.
- hats because you have to remove your hat when entering a religious catholic building in Italy.
- sunglasses need to be removed. You can hold them in your hands.
Most churches will allow you to enter if you are wearing shorts and midi dresses and skirts that cover your knees.
Note: The rules can be stricter in the Vatican and in San Marino because these two micronations are separate countries, enclosed by Italy. i.e., no flip-flops in religious churches.
What to wear in a Catholic Church in Italy to be on the safe side?
Italy is predominantly a hot country, and most visitors travel to the Southern European country in the hotter summer months.
If you want to see a church from the inside, you will have to factor in the choice of your garments.
Fortunately, the churches are cooler on the inside and provide a break from the scorching Italian heat.
Take the save road and wear the following garments:
- Pants
- T-shirts or Shirts or Blouses
- Anything that covers your knees and shoulders.
If you feel the need to wear a tank top, bring a jacket along, which you can wear to cover yourself on your visit to a church.
How do they check?
Smaller Italian churches have care-takers employed, and they won't let you in if you are not dressed properly.
Larger and well-known cathedrals basilica and churches often charge an entry fee, and they are blocked by a ticket counter. The ticket clerk will let you know if you can't enter.
We had an incident in Venice where we didn't see the signboard and my wife tried to enter in her shorts when she was told in a loud voice echoing in the church to not take another step in.
The person shooed her away, and of course, these experiences can sour your day or even your trip.
We hadn't faced such issues in the past because these rules are not imposed on people in French or Austrian churches or cathedrals.
Signboards explaining the dos and don't are commonly seen outside major religious buildings in Italy.
However, we didn't see them in Trento or Bolzano, South Tyrol. Most probably because these places are not that hot most of the year. Yet, the same rules will apply in these mountain places as well.
Therefore, I thought it would be useful to inform you, in case you planned to visit an Italian church.
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