Church dress codes in Italy

As far as I know, the skirt needs to hit your knees. I wore capri pants when I went. You also need to make sure your shoulders are covered. It's mainly the big churches that this is absolutely mandatory (St. Marks, St. Peter’s).

To be safe make sure your skirt is knee length and definately cover your shoulders. No singlet tops etc. It's basically a mark of respect for the institution. If you're uncertain and the weather is not too hot just wear pants.

If you aren't sure about your skirt length, just wear pants. On the bare shoulders question: you didn't mention when you are going. Obviously it's not a problem, except in hot weather. Last summer, we saw many female visitors to churches who had simply draped large scarves around their shoulders. In fact, a couple of the churches had baskets of scarves inside the entry to lend to those who came unequipped. A light-weight scarf takes up no room in your suitcase and could be useful on a cool evening.

just throw a light scarf in your purse/bag/whatever and then you don't have to worry about it...I've never been turned away for the skirt length (although never worn anyting considered a mini) knee length is fine...but if you have a scarf, it can always be used to lengthen it if needed ;-) (and I frequently throw one over my shoulders.

china,

one other thing to mention about "bare shoulders". Be sure to keep your shoulders covered, ESPECIALLY in St. Peter's.

I observed a case where a young lady had her shoulders covered when she entered St. Peter's, but removed the shawl when inside (it was VERY hot inside that day). Within a minute or so, the guards were yelling at her in a VERY angry manner, and made it very clear that shoulder coverings can NOT be removed while inside.

In another case in the Duomo in Siena, a younger (male) traveller attempted to enter the Church while wearing a sleeveless T-shirt. He was provided with a blue paper shawl, and had to wear that while inside. He was teased mercilessly by his friends, but took it with good humor.

I was standing close to the individuals in both cases, so observed the incidents clearly. Especially in Italy, the dress code MUST be observed!

Happy travels!

Slightly aside from the subject, but still relevant: men, for pete's sake take off your hats when you enter a church. Too often, in an ancient place of worship, I've seen guys strolling around with their baseball caps on, clearly having no idea that there was anything special about the place. Whether you are "a believer" or not, you are standing in sacred space, probably used for more than two thousand years for some form of worship. Americans are held in enough disdain without demonstrating a lack of respect where respect is due. It's just the right thing to do.

I always carry a chapel cap and a long scarf. I can both cover my head and shoulders with no problem. Plus, I usually wear ankle length skirts so have never had problems.

Good point John, another is keep your voice down, best to whisper fi you must converse at all. At St Chapelle ( Paris) the staff constantly " shushed" people who got louder and louder, often laughing and calling out to each other, IN A CHURCH for goodness sake. I figure no matter what your belief system is, if you think the religous site you are visiting is in fact worth visiting , then RESPECT it by not acting like you are at Disneyland.

I will note that I do not believe all the nosiey people were only Americans.