Hi. We leave Saturday for 2 weeks in Italy and Spain. Can. Not. Wait. First time for the entire family and we are psyched! Even managed to all pack in carry on's!
We are wondering what the dress code is for the churches we might be visiting. Are they the same as the Vatican or more relaxed?
Also, we have a 7 a.m. tour of the Vatican but no transportation at this point. Anyone have a recommendation for a driver or easy way to get there so early? This will be a Monday morning.
Thanks in advance!
Dress code: St. Peters/Vatican has perhaps the strictest dress code, which is enforced by security at the door. Other Italian churches it's hard to say: in general, the more famous churches in Italy tend to have the strictest dress code but there's no uniformity and it's difficult to get specific information on most church websites.
As for Spain, same answer as above, best not to wear shorts or anything else that leaves knees and shoulders exposed, but can't definitively say what will be allowed. In May I saw a woman in short shorts allowed into the Sevilla Cathedral, so who knows?
taxi would work if you are too far to walk - or depending on where you will be I can suggest a bus.
Where will you be?
Are you going to Barcelona? The main cathedral is as strict as Vatican. General premise is 'cover shoulders, cover knees, no hats'.
I plan on wearing a maxi dress to the Vatican in July and bringing a pashmina to throw over my shoulders so I can roll it up and tuck it in my bag after.
This article is a sensible, easy to follow guide.
Beyond that, remember these are houses of worship. You may be of a different belief background or have no faith background, but it is a polite thing to respect the traditions of others and offer the proper respect.
I hope you have a great time!
I just wanted to give you all a quick recap on our visit. It was incredible! Thank you all for your words of wisdom and insight. We listened and had no problems whatsoever. Only thing I would change is the amount of time we spent in Rome. A month would not have been enough for me. Can't wait to go back! And we had the hotel call a cab for us Monday morning and made it to the Vatican with time to spare. It was perfect. Thanks again!
