Binoculars

Yes, I've never had anyone question using binoculars in Italy, France, UK in churches or museums.

I hope you have a travel sized compact pair. The first time I took them I took my birding binoculars which then were pretty big. I've downsized over the years (and gone up in price point, hahaha!) so I have Zeiss bins that fit in a jacket pocket or easily fit in my purse.

Yes you may
Good idea too

Good idea, just an fyi and you may know this, there are a huge range of of binoculars in terms of cost, quality, lens coatings, magnifications and objective lens diameter. This is important to understand as using binoculars indoors and particularly in lower light situations and relatively short range needs to be matched with the proper binocular. Pam, above, indicated she has a pair of Zeiss branded binoculars which is one of the premier brands. They have advanced coatings on their lenses that transmit the maximum of light given current optical and coating technology. The Zeiss line is quite expensive but fantastic. For general guideline, I would look for no more than a 7x magnification and a 42 or 50 or 56 objective lens. You would see the specifications on these listed as 7x42 or 7x50 etc...

Also, understand the really sub compact binoculars will have smaller objective lenses and less suitable for low light at the lower and mid tier price ranges. . They also tend to have narrower distance between the pupils and that makes them undesirable as well. I would suggest a mid size pair. The current generation of roof Prism binoculars are relatively light . Sorry for all the detail, I love optical stuff.

Yes. I brought my mom’s compact pair one year when I was concentrating on stained glass in a church, and it was very helpful, plus sentimental. She would have loved that use of them.

Absolutely! Use your binoculars to get a closer view of those in situ wonders!

I did in Padova (Giotto's frescos, Scrovegni Chapel) and Ravenna (Ancient mosaics, Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo), and it enriched my experiences.

I'm pretty sure I saw this tip on a RS video.

Use your phone's camera to point to the ceiling while you look down at the screen.

No neck strain, dizziness or bumping into others staring up.

Not sure how this works where cameras/phones may be banned.

I’ll just add to Dootle’s excellent info that if you are buying try to go to a brick and mortar store to see how they feel. The barrel sizes are different on different brands which can make them more or less comfortable to hold.

Thank you for all the tips.

Olympus makes a great small binoc that I have used traveling for years. It's 8X21 RC 1, I don't think available new now but I have seen them on ebay for around $25.

Yes. A possible added bonus:
I took small binoculars into the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova to get a better look at Giotto's famous frescos on the timed entry and limited viewing period. We were matched with a big group of school kids. The guard motioned us over and directed us to stand with him while that group left and another group entered. He gave us the privilege of a double viewing. I think that was largely due to the fact that we used the binoculars and obviously had great interest in the chapel and the frescoes. Locals show special interest in people who show special interest in the special things they have to share.

Wow, terrific outcome, BillP!

Another option would be monoculars. Per AI summary: Monoculars are lighter, more compact, and easier to carry than binoculars, making them ideal for travel and quick observations. They are also generally less expensive, providing a good price-to-quality ratio for casual users.