How can you dress in the museums and churches of Italy?

Question

I have only heard once that in Italy you can't wear tanktops and shorts for the museums and churches, mausoleums, etc....

Is this true because I like to wear alot of tanktops and shorts, It's pretty much everything in my wardrobe, so is this true!!??

Answer 1

The rule of thumb is covered shoulders and knees.  I always wear "zip-off" cargo pants/shorts and my wife carries a lightweight sweater or pashmina to cover her tank-top.  It's really not a wardrobe problem at all.  Happy travels!

Answer 2

yes, it is true

Answer 3

Some churches have signs telling you what type of clothing is acceptable, some have people at the doors turning people away who are not appropriately dressed, some do not have a dress code enforced. It varies from church to church. It is best to dress appropriately in case they are turning people away because of inappropriate dress.

Answer 4

Churches and other holy spaces, you need to have covered shoulders and no shorts (otherwise, at the very least, you'll get some nasty 'tut-tut' stares... at worse, they'll throw you out). In hot weather, some women bring a shawl or a wrap for the shoulders so they can take it off afterwards. Shorts are always a no-no unless they're hidden under something else. Skirts, it depends on how long it is and who's on duty. Museums inside Churches are considered Churches. The Vatican Museum belongs to the Pope (and in fact they used to be the home of the Renaissance Popes), so the same rules apply there.

Other museums (such as the state museums) tend to be more relaxed about dress because they're secular. However, many museums hold works which are considered national treasures, so visitors should treat them with a degree of reverence regardless.

In conservative Italy, in particular, freedom of speech and expression are relative terms. Unfortunately, many Italians will judge you solely by the way you dress. And if you dress provocatively, they'll take that as an invitation to behave like idiots. Also, one of the fastest ways to anger Italians is to criticize: the three tenors, the Pope,  the national soccer team, or Saint Francis (the nation's patron). So it helps to have cultural awareness, dress appropriately, and be tactful.

Answer 5

Short-shorts are not acceptable in Italy under any circumstance (except at the beach).  No Italians wear them in cities and it's considered very tacky and unattractive.  Bermuda shorts are very popular this season when worn with a nice shoe (high-heeled or embellished flat) and they would be fine inside a Church.  Larger churches (the Duomo in Milan, St. Marks in Venice, etc.) don't allow women to enter with bare shoulders.  The best solution is to carry a really light-weight shawl in your purse and wrap it around your shoulders before entering.  

The dress codes are there because churches are sacred places where people go to worship.  Even if you're not religious it's important to show respect to those who are.  I am an atheist but I still believe in showing respect to people inside their place of worship, whether it's a church or a temple or a shrine.

Another important thing inside Italian churches is to obey the rules regarding photography, and NEVER EVER take flash photographs during a church service.  This is one of the most obscene acts I have ever witnessed, and it's performed en masse by ignorant tourists (unfortunately, they are usually American).

Answer 6

It is advisable that you cover your shoulders, arms and legs for church visits and the vatican museums. You will not be allowed entry if you are not dressed accordingly.

Answer 7

In Italy, and most places, you must cover your shoulders and stomach, as well as not wearing shorts that are too short.  It is a place of worship, so they ask for respect.  Bring a shawl to wrap around yourself.

Answer 8

Just as a general rule if you dont want to be denied access, wear long pants, and at the most a short sleve shirt.  The vatican is real anal. but some smaller churches will let you in.  The museams will change their ways depending on the outside temps.  but flip flops are NEVER allowed.  Dress like you are going to church in the States, I mean would you go to your church with your butt hanging out?  See the etiquette...

UROPE’S UNFLATTERING OPINION OF US

  For years we Americans have swarmed over the face of the world, taking it for granted that the earth’s surface belongs to us because we can pay for it, and it is rather worse than ever since the war, when the advantages of exchange add bitterness to irritation.   51

  And yet there are many who are highly indignant when told that, as a type, we are not at all admired abroad. Instead of being indignant, how much simpler and better it would be to make ourselves admirable, especially since it is those who most lack cultivation who are most indignant. The very well-bred may be mortified and abashed, but they can’t be indignant except with their fellow countrymen who by their shocking behavior make Europe’s criticism just.   52

  Understanding of, and kind-hearted consideration for the feelings of others are the basic attributes of good manners. Without observation, understanding is impossible—even in our own country where the attitude of our neighbors is much the same as our own. It is not hard to appreciate, therefore, that to understand the point of view of people entirely foreign to ourselves, requires intuitive perception as well as cultivation in a very high degree.

Answer 9

The way you are dressed in a church denotes your respect. As Italy is a Catholic country you ought dress properly to visiting a church.

Answer 10

Be respectful of the culture. When we lived in Sicily, it was alright to wear walking shorts (mid-calf) for museums. However, churches and other houses of religion frowned upon you wearing shorts of any type. Settle for capris or linen blend pants in a light color.