What is the dress code for visiting St Peters Basilica?
Every year, millions of people – Catholics and people of other faiths, pilgrims, tourists and art-lovers – visit St Peter’s Basilica and the other public parts of the Vatican City. Visitors of all walks of life, whether Catholics or not, are made welcome, but are expected to respect the sanctity of this, the very centre of the Roman Catholic world. In the Basilica, it is respectful to dress modestly – shorts, sleeveless tops or miniskirts are not considered acceptable. Dark clothing is not mandatory. Children are welcomed, too, but should be discouraged from shouting or running around – St Peter’s is a fully functioning church, and many visitors come there to pray. Please be particularly unobtrusive if you find yourself close to a congregation attending Mass. You should also respect any signs indicating an area where photography or making videos is not allowed.
