Does the Civita Day Pack need to be checked at at sites in Rome ?

Don't think there is a flat, yes or no, answer. It varies. We have encountered sites that prohibit any bag. And sometimes it depends a little bit on the guard on duty.

Jim,

I agree with Frank. I don't think there's one answer for all the sites you mentioned. Security policies that are in effect today could also change by this fall. A random check of the Vatican Museum website shows this information.....

"Before entering the exhibition spaces, visitors are required to leave in the cloakroom all luggage, suitcases, rucksacks, packages and containers not considered suitable by staff on account of their size or nature.
Visitors who continue their tour in the Vatican Basilica are reminded not to leave their baggage in the Vatican Museums.
The cloakroom service is free of charge."

I suspect that security staff have some discretion and they may allow some bags while refusing others.

I carry a shoulder bag that is slightly bigger than an Ipad -- designed for that - and then has a couple of compartments/pockets on the front that will hold a guidebook, small camera, and small a water bottle. Maybe four, five inches thick if loaded. It is about the same size as my wife's purse/shoulder bag but slightly longer and a little narrower. Her bag is closer to being square. Both bags are black leather and look very similar. I have been asked to check my bag several times and she walks through.

If you're talking about the Civita pack rather than the Civita over the shoulder, then the pack may be a problem if work as a pack on your back, because they are worried about you turning around and damaging something. Sometimes they will allow it if you wear the pack on your front. Or, in some cases, they'll ask you to check it. Depends on the particular sight, some will have different policies and you won't know until you try to get in.

I have the Civita Shoulder bag that Rick Steves uses as his day bag. In a museum, I sometimes carry it with one strap and have the bag under my arm next to my body.

The Civita day-pack version, you could expect this may get different treatment at museum/sight entrances, than the over the shoulder version. They're both Civita but different in how the museums look at them. Because they don't want a person with the back pack to turn around and damage things.

Hi Jim,

the Civita Shoulder bag that Rick Steves uses as his day bag

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/civita-shoulder-bag
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/civita-day-pack

Do you have both? You mention day pack; then shoulder bag.

That bag should be okay for most places. The only place I can think of that does not allow any bags is **The Borghese Gallery You would need to check it. If not, and you don't need it right after the visit, leave it at your hotel. Wear a money belt under clothes for your money/valuables.**

The Vatican and St. Peter's allow bags (say around 14.") Your bag fits those measurements. And, as you mentioned, just use the one strap like a shoulder bag (around tight spots.)

You will go through security at both The Vatican and St. Peter's. (If you do a visit to The Vatican first, then no, you won't go through security again - just straight to St. Peter's after The Sistine Chapel.

St. Peter's Basilica has guards at the entrance doors to the Basilica. They were eyeing people. There is a coat check (and restrooms) at the outside lower level of St. Peter's - at the stairs. I can't attest to the safety of items left; although there is a guard around.

I used a Kipling tote/purse (about 14") not filled to the brim. It was allowed into The Vatican. But, it looks more like a purse with handles and with a wide cross body strap. Small to medium-ish backpacks (like yours) were being allowed by guards after a scan. But, I went both times to Rome in December. Crowds are not at high season peak (although it seemed so on the day I went!) There may be more wiggle room with guards.

The Pantheon was okay for bags being allowed. There are some kind of unofficial guards at the doorway, but they asked no one to check their back packs or even strollers. I don't think there is a coat check even. It is an active church. So, if you happen to visit during a Mass, you'll have to wait.

Adding another thought:

The first year I went to The Vatican, I took an in-house (local) tour with a guide. In the Piazza, she looked at everyone to make sure no one had big, bulky bags - even shopping bags. Everyone of us were okay.

If a person needs to check an over sized bag, that impedes their (straight away) visit to St. Peter's after The Sistine. The person would have to make their way back to get their bags and wait in line again to enter St. Peter's (plus the security check.) That's a lot more walking and time wasted.