We are scheduled to tour the Necropolis under the Basilica of St. Peter. Reservation indicates women must wear skirts covering knees or pants. I was planning on wearing capris, as I have worn them to the Vatican before. While they are not long pants my knees will be covered. Are they acceptable. Surely do not want to be turned away for improper attire.
Posted by
Milwaukie, Oregon
1057 posts
Capris are fine.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
When we went we knew that knees and shoulders must be covered. But the one thing we didn't expect was how chilly it was down there. So I would suggest cover up the knees and shoulders, and maybe even a light coverup over the top.
I'm glad you're doing this tour, we really thought it was worthwhile. Hope you are happy that you did it, also.
Have a Great Trip!
Mimi
Posted by
Western Canada
3600 posts
And I had the opposite experience to Mimi.
I've never been so hot in all my life as I felt on the Scavi tour.
We had brought light fleece jackets to put on, thinking it would get colder the deeper you went, but it just got hotter and more humid as we went down.
We had some water with us, but were way overdressed.
(We were wearing capris.)
I wish we had taken a tiny portable fan or a hand fan, and a tiny spray bottle of water for spritzing ourselves.
It felt very close, and though the tour was wonderful, it sure was a relief to get up and out afterward.
This was in early June, and it wasn't all that hot in Rome itself; so I don't know when you are going, Debby.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I wonder if Mimi might be confusing the Vatican Scavi tour with the Domus Aurea tour. The Scavi tour is like a hothouse - very warm and very humid. The Domus Aurea, on the other hand, has natural air-conditioning thanks to an underground spring and is quite chilly. Bring a jacket.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16748 posts
I wonder if Mimi might be confusing the Vatican Scavi tour with the
Domus Aurea tour.
Or with one of the catacombs (which would explain the dress code)? They tend to be chilly but mentions of uncomfortable heat and humidity are common in reviews of the scavi.
Posted by
South Florida
225 posts
I had the same experience as Mimi. It was damp and chilly. Just saying.....
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
When we went through the Scavi in October it was hotter than Hell and very tight quarters. Some people in our group bailed. Domus Aurea was cold even on a hot July day.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8251 posts
I think what people are describing in regards to temperature is more an effect of humidity. The humidity is high, so if the temperature happens to be lower, then you will be clammy and cool; higher you will be in a sauna.
It has been a few years, but my advice would be sensible shoes, the paths at that time were a bit uneven and lower lighting, so footing can vary.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Ditto Laurel.