What is considered the appropriate dress code while visiting Italian churches?
A. Much of the art in Italy is found in the Catholic churches, not just in museums. You will be entering a place of worship and are expected to dress and act accordingly (talk quietly and no photography is allowed). Most of the major churches that attract foreign visitors have signs telling what type of clothing is acceptable and some will have guards at the entrance turning people away who are not appropriately dressed. Both men and women must not wear sleeveless tops. If a woman carries a light shawl, it can be used to cover her shoulders and upper arms and skirts must be at least to the knee. For men, shorts are now acceptable at most churches except at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Shorts are acceptable for younger children but not teenagers. To take it a step further, there have been reports of visitors being turned away for having exposed offensive tattoos. So, in other words, “keep it clean around the Vatican”. For more information and the history of the Vatican, visit: http://w
