Dress Code For Cathedrals

They sometimes make exceptions in very hot weather but as a general rule assume your knees and shoulders must be covered.
So no shorts, tee shirt is fine ; tank top is not. You can wear a scarf draped over the shoulders though.
If you have long shorts that touch / end at your knees you are ok.

Exposed knees and shoulders is only enforced at some of the major cathedrals but is honestly looked down upon by the locals even in smaller churches where there are no stated rules or folks enforcing them so although you can enter it is wise to know you could be looked upon as disrespectful.

This is only for churches other museums and sites have no such rules.

I have seen at the Vatican in August during a hot spell (which is probably most August days) where the dress code was relaxed, which is why I stated there may be rare exceptions for weather.

Obviously I am not recommending you count on an exception and am pointing out it is not so much an enforced rule to worry about getting disallowed as it is a sign of respect to the church to not have bare shoulders and knees.

You'll find that different churches have different dress codes, with differing enforcement depending on the presence and mood of the enforcers. One thing you can rely on - You can get into any church if you're wearing long pants/trousers and a shirt with sleeves (long or short, Tee or other). Anything shorter than that and you run the risk of being excluded.

I don't think the code varies much - covered shoulders and covered knees and also, bare head - I sometimes forget. And when someone is on the door, then the enforcement is petty good and uniform. But without an attendant at the door and even with signs showing covered shoulders and knees, most tourists blow right by since they think the picture sign is in a foreign language. Most churches, cathedrals are active house of worship so show a little respect and dress appropriately.

It's also generally true that the larger the church, the more strict the dress code.

I saw a young girl not allowed into St Peter Cathedral because her knees were showing. She was very upset, but the guard did not care that she came all the way from England. I think it depends upon the guard. Why risk it? St. Marks had large sheets of paper at the door so you could drape it over the shoulders or wrap around the waist to cover the knees. Be curteous and respectful you won't have any problems.

Lorieann

Yeah, I can picture Bob with a (huge?) scarf wrapped around his waist to cover his shorts ☺

Generally, pants should cover the knees - some places may not require it, but why take a chance?

I would definitely not risk it, as the standard dress code is no bare shoulders or knees for women OR men. I saw people being turned away at several locations, even after waiting in a long line. That being said, at the major cathedrals it was not uncommon to see vendors selling sarongs or disposable paper shawls. I kept lightweight clothes (cardigan, stretchy knee-length skirt) in my bag and then just put them on before entering the churches - I probably looked pretty silly in them (sometimes the skirt was over a dress I was already wearing), but it was better than bundling up for a full day of touring in summer!

Any pants shorter than ankle-length at St. Peter's and you run the risk of not being allowed in. Do you really want to travel that far to risk it? One functional (if less than stylish) option is the pants with the zip off lower legs.