How strict is the vatican about your dress when visiting?

Question

*I'm not planning on dressing like a hussy, but since its suposed to be hot when I'm there I was wondering if knee length skirts/ sleeveless shirts were acceptable.

Answer 1

They may or maynot allow the knee length skirt - definately bring something to cover your shoulders if you want to get inside many places.  Not just the Vatican either - many museums have the same policies.

Answer 2

A t-shirt is ok, even when short-sleeved. I'd go for pants. If you can change before entering any church, it's OK. All Italian buildings have walls that keep the heat out. Including churches and basilicas.

Answer 3

I lived in Rome 4 months. I remember they wouldn't let me in because I had shorts. I think they don't allow sleevelesss shirts either

Answer 4

so long as you have your shoulders covered and your shorts/ skirt is not too far above your knee you'll be fine. I would say just to carry a light pashmina or a long sleeved top to put on before you go in. They will definitely not let you in wearing a vest top as I found out the second time I went.

Answer 5

Check with some of the vistor's bureaus in Rome, before you go.

Answer 6

just dont show your breast in public there

Answer 7

you have to wear pants or a dress!

Answer 8

Sorry.. You must have your shoulders and knees covered whenever visiting any churches in Italy. You may want to consider taking a shawl to wrap around your shoulders before entering. This is an acceptable way to cover them and you should have no problems. I usually carry a sweater or something light that I can cram into my purse and then whip it out when I get there.

Answer 9

They will NOT let you into the Basillica with a sleeveless shirt.  I saw a woman having to borrow her husbands shirt - they had to go in separately, he then put it on when she came out.  Make sure your skirt is knee length, or wear slacks.

Answer 10

I just got back from Rome (4 days ago) where I visited Vatican City and our tour director said women needed to wear skirts at least to their knees but capris and pants were acceptable, and something had to cover your shoulder...Since it was about 95 degrees when we were there, the women wore tank tops but carried a jacket or scarf and just put that over their shoulders while we were there.  It was not nearly as strict as I had anticipated.

Answer 11

Rome is hot in these days.

I suggest you to visit with your normal clothes and have a small bag where you keep something to cover your shoulders when you enter in a church.

For the legs they are strict only if you have very short shorts or a very short skirt. If you wear Bermudas or a skirt at knees their shouldn't be problems.

Answer 12

NO sleevless shirts,skirts/shorts just above the knee-no baseball hats