Knees at the Vatican

I know it is hard to understand the concept of knees being covered. An inch will do. Capri pants will work but leave the shorts at home. Show some respect for local rules and customs.

Do you really want to stand in a line that could take an hour or two only to arrive at the entrance to St Peters and be told "NO"??? I've never understood why people want to even take a chance. Yes, I know it can get hot standing in line in St Peters square in long pants because I've done it. I've also seen the people around me be turned away because of their dress...and you can FORGET about arguing your point with the guards at the entrance because they really don't care what you think :-)

I was just wondering, since most of the sited I looked at were pretty vague about men's attire. Being a good Catholic I do what I am told.

Did you see this posting ---

http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/53546/new-rules-appropriate-clothing-required-for-entire-vatican-city.html

Just a little further down this page.

Look at this link:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_o9Gg4iKt4Es/Sf3cbbnnmsI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/EG_f3hCiffc/s512/IMG_2273.JPG

This shows specifically that men should wear long pants. Not shorts. If you really want to wear shorts get the ones with the zip off legs. That way you can wear shorts outside and pants inside.

Don't risk being turned away, wear pants.

Donna

Yes, please go prepared; Kent and I are still working on our 'paper-tube-thing' prototype. Our street vendors probably won't be in place in time for your trip.

Many people carry pants in their daybag, either just for 'Vatican City' day, or the entire time they're in Rome/Italy (another vote for lightweight pants). There are many other churches that you might want to pop in to, and sometimes people have been surprised by the 'dress police' at smaller churches, although that's not terribly common.

Change (if necessary) into your pants BEFORE getting into line. The last thing you want is to be showing too much skin after standing in that line; those partisans that the Swiss Guards carry look awfully pointy...

[This makes sense assuming you've taken the advice of Frank, CO, and read the post "New Rules: 'Appropriate' Clothing Required for ENTIRE Vatican City". Do I have to GUILT you into reading it?!? ;-) ]

I guess I don't know the clear definition of Bermuda shorts. I simply thought they were shorts to the knee. Back in the '60s, they were plaid. Today, they are khaki. And they are very much in style. THE BIG FASHION NEWS! Men take heart! You CAN wear capris! We saw them all over Italy in June and yes, in Rome for sure. I'm not sure they are called capris but there is definitely a casual pant style out there that comes about mid-calf. You can wear them with sandals or tennies and low socks. And, sorry, James. There is a huge heat conductor difference between bermudas/shorts and long pants!

"the difference between a pant and a bermuda short is 2 cms!"
James....don't they let you wear long pants yet? ;)