All you should know about the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s basilica dress code

03. Jul, 2011 0 Comments

Many travelers entering Rome plan on visiting either the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s interesting to note however, that there’s a strict dress code you should abide to.

Where does the dress code apply?

First of all, let there be no doubt about it: the dress code is for both the museums and the basilica, and every other church in Rome. There’s often a misunderstanding that only the basilica itself enforces the dress code. This is not the case!

Dress code 101

Then, the dress code itself: your knees and shoulders cannot be “nude”, but should be covered at all times. Women can wear long(er) skirts to accomodate this, and men should wear long pants. Men wearing capri length pants are known to have been turned away.

However, being creative is possible. Visitors wearing tank tops can use a long scarf to cover their shoulders, and if you don’t want to wear a long pair of pants all day you can try the variety with zip-off legs.

When in doubt while putting together your wardrobe, just remember: no knees, no shoulders.

Not following the rules

If you show up at the Vatican museums or St. Peter’s basilica without proper clothing, there’s a good chance you’ll be denied entry. In the end, however, nothing is certain. It’s all up to the judgement of the guards on duty when you enter, and some people have seen the inside of the museums or basilica while wearing shorts. Counting on a laps of judgement on the guard’s part isn’t favorable though, so wear pants and a top that covers your shoulder to be certain. The rules might not be always strictly enforced, but they are the rules.