Church Dress Code

I don't recall head covering required at the Vatican. Just modest dress, like you would wear to church. Halter tops, shorts etc not welcome.

Nothing specific regarding the head. Is there something specific about your head that you're asking? That's sounds weird, but I'm just inquiring if you have any specific concerns or are just covering all bases.

Simple. Cover shoulders and knees.

I have been to severeal churches in Europe, every single one I went to no one stopped woman from wearing short skirts, halter tops or short shorts. I was in Paris in June, and this one girl dressed real, ummmm...... High heel boots, mini skirt and a shirt with some many holes in it her whole bra was exposed. This was at Notre Dame. At the Vatican however, woman wore skirts and tank tops. I don't think anyone really cares. I would just wear a nice dress and a nice shirt.

Italy is WAY different then Paris.. Paris is offically a secular country, Italy not so and of course , most especially in the Vatican city!!!.. In Italy women are almost always expected ( and they do have "monitors " at some entrances )to cover their shoulders and be dressed to the knee. So no tank tops, and no short shorts or mini skirts. Same with men, no tanks, and shorts must cover their knees. My 11 yr old dd had to wear a shawl around her shoulders at St Peters.

Most Italian churches do have a dress code. The ask that you cover your knees and shoulders. None that I've ever visited required women to wear a head covering. That went out many years ago. The strictest church that I been to is St. Peter's basilica. They can and do deny people entry for not following the dress code. For them the dress code is that men are required to wear pants and a shirt with sleeves and women can wear pants, longer skirts or capirs with a shirt with sleeves. If you show up to churches in Italy in shorts and halter tops you will not be allowed inside. Just be respectful and cover up. Donna

Correction: Italy is a secular country as well, in that there is no official state religion (Roman Catholicism was the state religion until the 1980s). I have not seen people turned away, except at the Vatican which is a separate country, but women (and sometimes men in running shorts) are usually given a covering to wear (best to bring your own or dress appropriately). Women covering their heads is only done for a private meeting with the Pope.

Thanks to everyone for your responses about our church dress code question. Looking forward to our first visit to Italy.
Safe travels!

I did see a young lady turned away at the Duomo in Milan. I think every guard might have a slighty different standard but if you don't dress modestly you can get turned away.

I am currently in Florence. Santa Croce has a dress code. If a woman's shoulders are exposed or she is wearing shorts, she must purchase a .50 Euro kimono to wear inside. However, at San Domenico in Siena, I didn't see enforcement of the dress code. To be safe, just make sure your shoulders and knees are covered.