Italy is putting fashion on trial, and the verdict is clear: dress to impress respect, or face the consequences! When visiting Italy’s famous attractions like the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Florence’s Duomo, it is crucial to adhere to proper clothing attire and maintain modesty at these religious sites.
Although these regulations have been in place for a long time, certain Italian communities have recently introduced additional dress codes for walking around town. This further adds to the cultural fabric of the country and helps keep tourists in check.
Here’s what you need to know when visiting religious sites:
- Pay attention to signs indicating acceptable attire to avoid being turned away at entrances.
- Both men and women are forbidden from exposing their shoulders, midriffs, or knees.
- Avoid wearing spaghetti straps, sleeveless tops, crop tops, shorts, or above-the-knee dresses.
- Some attractions may offer cover-ups if you’re dressed inappropriately, but others may deny entry altogether.
Other recent developments include Sorrento’s mayor banning walking in swimwear in the town center, with fines of up to $546. Lipari, the largest island in Sicily’s Aeolian archipelago, has had a similar rule since 2013, penalizing the wearing of swimwear or flip-flops. In Venice, sightseeing in swimwear or being bare-chested can also lead to fines of up to $546.
Remember, even in Italy’s fashion-forward destinations, rules are rules. To avoid fines and unwelcome stares, show respect to the country you’re visiting.
