There is a dress code to visit churches in Italy

There is a dress code to visit churches in Italy: it is forbidden to enter a church (chiesa) wearing shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and shirts that don’t cover your belly button. Some churches display the dress code sign on the door, others do not, and some even have a person at the door to turn away those who are not dressed properly, especially at the major churches, basilicas, and cathedrals. The worst-case scenario is that this could happen after you have been waiting in line for a long time and you realize it at the very end because the sign is displayed right by the entrance door. Just be aware.

Photo by Francesca Tosolini

So what if you’ve been out in the hot sun in your shorts all day, and you stumble upon a beautiful church you’d like to visit, but don’t have a change of clothes? Fear not: Usually, in the vicinity of these churches, you’ll find a store selling disposable (usa e getta) clothes. It sounds crazy, I know, but there really is such a thing. So don’t despair, but instead look around. This may be a hassle especially during the hottest months, but some Italian masterpieces may be worth a little sweat.

{This is an excerpt from chapter 7 “Churches and museums” of the eBook “Italy from the Inside. A native Italian reveals the secrets of traveling in Italy”. To buy our eBook click here}