Bag policies in Rome: historic sites / churches / museums

Some sites require you to store backpacks - whether smaller "personal item" sized bags are allowed seems to be up to the person running the security checkpoint line. Often my RS Civita bag was not flagged as a "backpack". But all these sites have lockers or bag check areas - often with the use a euro/get it back system - if they require you to not have items.

I can't remember any site that has an "not allowed items" policy and also not had a place to store them. I think was part of the implementation of the security checkpoint lines in most major historic sites project.

Hope that helps,
=Tod

I carried a small Tom Binh cafe bag last October in Rome. It was big enough for my phone, sunglasses case, eye glasses case, guidebooks, and pens. We only tend to buy small items for souvenirs and it accommodated those as well. The only place I ever had to check it was at the Borghese Gallery (which has a very strict policy on bags).

I have found that women can get by carrying a little larger bag -- purse -- than a male can. Most places are not going to allow larger, book bag size of shoulder bag. I have a shoulder bag just big enough to carry an ipad and it has been about 50/50 if that size is accepted. Just be prepared to check the bag if requested. We have checked bags dozen of times and nothing bad ever happened.

Thanks for the informative responses, hiredman and Frank!

I'm glad to know that we will have the option to "check" our bags if need be. Much like Reederman I too generally buy (very) small souvenirs on our travels. it's the part with the need to dress in layers to meet the needs of the weather that has me needing to carry a tote.

As usual Rick Steves Forum members come through with the tools for a successful vacation.

Much obliged!

WL

My husband is an amateur photographer and carries a “largish” daypack with lenses, etc. He was required to check it at the Borghese and the Vatican museum, while others with more “typical” sized daypacks and purses were not. We went into numerous churches including the pantheon and he was allowed in with the pack.