We will be visiting 3 cities in Spain in early June.
While we are touring the cities we will be going in and out of the cathedrals.
Can the men where shorts as it will be hot?
I know the women are expected to cover shoulders and dresses, skirts or shots need to be at the knee.
Thank you in advance.
While in Italy it would be absolutely not allowed, and it wouldn’t exactly be appreciated in Spanish cathedrals, but wouldn’t be prohibited, if the men’s shorts were below the knee. Short shorts for men are a no-no.
As this Cathedral is the center of Catholic religion in Spain, I would refer to their stated dress code:
“Sagrada Familia Dress Code- Men
Men are allowed to wear T-shirts and shirts that do not have any offensive/distracting designs and promotional content.
Trousers or jeans that are full length can be worn. Shorts that are below the knee level can also be worn.
Sleeveless tank tops, vests and hats are not allowed.
No swimwear can be worn.”
And even though you didn’t ask, this is what they require for women:
Sagrada Familia Dress Code- Women
Women can wear blouses and tops with sleeves that completely cover the shoulders.
Dresses and tops that are backless or have a deep neckline are not allowed.
Trousers or skirts that come below knee level are allowed. (Please note they say below knee)
No hats or swimwear.
If you feel you don't want to comply to the dress codes all day, then pants with zip off legs work for men. Big enough scarves to wrap as a longer skirt, and to cover shoulders, back and cleavage work for women....for the time they are required. Easy to put on or remove before and after the church visit. Saw similar quick changes at temples in SE Asia in January.
The catedral de Sevilla does publish a dress-code. Although it isn't very detailed, instead asking visitors to show decorum and "el respeto por la sensibilidad", which I guess doesn't need translating.
The specifics for men are no headgear and no sleeveless tops. Shorts aren't mentioned for men (unlike for women where they are). But the pictogram outside the entrances does show shorts are allowed for men (below the knee - although I suspect, you'd be fine as long as they are flappy shorts even if they don't quite reach the knee; less welcome would be turning up in budgie smugglers).
https://www.catedraldesevilla.es/normas-de-convivencia-en-el-vestir/#
I am female, and a door attendant stopped me on my way into the Cathedral of Barcelona (not La Sagrada Familia) because I hadn't yet removed my sunhat. I always have my legs and 3/4 of my arms covered, so I don't know how heavily they police those rules in general. I think I saw some folks with uncovered knees being stopped there.
