Dress code in European churches

On your tour, you will only encounter this issue in Italy. Monitors are encouraging tourists to dress modestly and respectfully, rather than like they're at the beach. Every degree of formality in dress helps counteract the skin showing, so a skirt that touches the kneecap would be fine, while shorts basically don't pass inspection by definition.

Thank you! On the subject of shorts, are men and boys permitted to wear shorts when touring churches in Italy?

Everyone is asked to cover shoulders and knees. And even if it's not being "monitored", it's a matter of showing respect for a house of worship.

Christine,men and boys must have knees covered. Italian men wear what I call " manpris" sort of very long pants or short pants for men. Italy is fairly strict,we have seen people turned away at several places , make sure your sundress or skirt goes at the lest mid knee,and no spaghetti strap or rank tops, shoulders must be covered. I carry a very lightweight scarce that can double as a shoulder covering shawl, I just tie it to straps of my purse I areas of carrying it .

In Venice several years ago, there were people (male and female) standing in line wearing shorts who had wrapped a windbreaker or other article of clothing around their legs to cover up their knees and legs. It looked pretty goofy, but might do in a pinch. Better, however, if you can wear some comfortable pants or past-the knees skirt or dress the day you'll be visiting an Italian church.

Thanks for the info, everyone! It will help me figure out what to pack. 😊