Hello,
I am totally prepared to wear a short sleeved blouse for Vatican/St. Peters. Is it required for the Parthenon? All other churches? I am not talking spaghetti-straps here; nice sleeveless blouses (J.Jill/Chico type). Suggestions? Thanks so much.
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
Do you mean the Pantheon in Rome?
Posted by
OP
42 posts
Yes, of course I do!! Bad typo...Pantheon in Rome! Io sono stupido!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5696 posts
The Pantheon is still a consecrated church. As with all Italian churches, modest dress is expected. This means covered shoulders and knees. The custom may or may not be actively enforced, but should still be respected (IMO). You can always throw a large, lightweight scarf or shawl in your day beg for use inside any church that you visit.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
If you are not taking a scarf, this is a great excuse to buy one. Or pick up a €5 cheapie from a street vendor, keep it in your bag for when you visit churches.
Some churches may still give (or rent) a rather viscous, scratchy-looking piece of fabric for you to drape over your shoulders - I would rather pack my own.
Posted by
18 posts
We were at the Panthenon last week - i wore long pants and short sleeves. The majority of the people visiting dressed very casually.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16742 posts
As above: bring a scarf or wear short sleeves. I tend to pop in and out of so many churches in a day that it's just easier to forego sleeveless tops altogether!
Posted by
Winooski, VT
285 posts
When I went this place in particular was just an open door, no ticketing or anything like that. People flowing in and/out. I saw everything from shorts and flip-flops to business suits.
Posted by
Chicago
8698 posts
It is not about formality of dress; it is about coverage. It is disrespectful in Italy to enter churches with sleeveless tops. Whether they enforce it at that church or not, it is still 'not permitted' and disrespectful.
Posted by
NYC
490 posts
Modesty and respect are what is required...just like churches in the USA.
It is overly casual tourists that has created more enforcement of this basic principle of PUBLIC attire.
If you are in Italy and not at the beach or playing a sport, it is not really socially acceptable to wear shorts and tank tops, especially in large cities.
Wear calf length pants/capris or clam diggers, instead of shorts in very lightweight material, and if you MUST wear a sleeveless top opt for a button down not clingy style that you can simply put a scarf or shawl over the shoulders and top of arms for holy places.