What to Wear When Visiting Churches in Italy

There is no shortage of stunning churches in the City of Rome, and throughout the entire country of Italy. In Rome alone, there are over 900 amazing churches! Each one has its own unique history and design, but each one also has the same rules. Especially when it comes to what to wear when visiting churches in Italy! Before you head out to visit churches in Rome, or anywhere else in Italy, make sure you know the dress code or you will not be allowed entry.

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What to Wear When Visiting Italy’s Churches

Cover Your Shoulders and Knees

Churches in Italy are sacred religious places with strict, but simple dress codes. You must cover your knees and shoulders in any church in Italy, and you must wear shoes. These rules are non-negotiable.

Unfortunately, it can get quite hot in Rome in the Summer, and the last thing us ladies want to do is cover up our shoulders and knees. However, if it really is unbearably hot (like it gets in August), go ahead and wear shorts and a tank top. But, bring along a couple of scarves or sarongs to cover your knees and shoulders. You will not be allowed entry into any church in Italy if you’re not covered up. If you don’t happen to have these with you, there are usually people selling them outside of most of the churches.

Men, your knees must be covered, as well! Invest in a pair of convertible pants that you can zip at the knee to switch from shorts to long pants. If you don’t have these or can’t find them, bring a spare pair of pants with you or a sarong to wrap around your waist. And, gentlemen, please remove your hats!!

Leave Your Bags Behind

Another thing to be aware of is your bags, purses, backpacks, etc. In particular, the Vatican/St. Peter’s Basilica is extremely strict with regard to large backpacks and purses. Leave them behind or find a place to store them.

Keep Voices Low

Churches in Rome, as in most places in the world, are places for reflection. Pleases keep your voice low when speaking, and walk slowly and quietly as to not disturb worshipers. And, PLEASE turn OFF your cell phone!

Save Snacks for Later

Please don’t eat inside the churches. Be respectful and save your snacks for later.

Photography

Most churches do not allow photography inside. This rule is to preserve the historic artwork. Please check for signs, or with someone, before taking photos.

Churches Not to Miss in Rome

Scarves in hand and bags left at our apartment, we set out to visit some of Rome’s incredible churches… in the middle of August. We visited so many churches in the August heat that I don’t even remember most of them. But, a few do stand out. Each one you walk into is even more beautiful than the last one.

Santa Maria dell’Anima

The first one we went through was Santa Maria dell’Anima, just west of Piazza Navona. This Roman Catholic church was founded in the 14th century and is one of the many medieval charity institutions built for pilgrims in Rome. Inside there are artistic treasures, including funeral monuments for Popes and Cardinals and beautiful altarpieces.

Sant’Ignazio di Loyola

Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola was the next church, a Roman Catholic Church built in the 1600’s in the Baroque style. The interior has a Latin cross plan with numerous side chapels, colored marbles, extensive gilding and richly ornamented altars.

The Pantheon

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Pantheon, which was next on our church walk. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved Ancient Roman buildings. It is a former Roman temple, but it’s now a church. The building is circular with a portico of huge granite Corinthian columns. It has a rectangle vestibule and a coffered concrete dome… this dome is the world’s largest concrete unreinforced dome, and they still don’t know how the Romans built it thousands of years ago! It’s an amazing place!

The Vatican

But the most incredible church, and one you need an entire day to see, is St. Peter’s – The Vatican. See my separate post on The Vatican.

Top Tours for Churches in Rome

See all Viator tours for churches in Rome, Italy.

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