I'm hoping to visit a few churches in Rome on my second visit, in particular a few of the older ones. What is the general rule for access to churches? As long as the church is open and not in service, can I just walk in and wander around, or are there religious ethics I need to abide by?

I think you are free to wander in. Of course, you would want to be quiet and respectful in your demeanor and dress.

Many churches request that tourists do not visit during mass. Also be aware that many churches also close during the middle of the day.

Carry 0.50EUR coins and feed the light timers if you want to see the good stuff on the wall.

The churches are open to visitors - you should be aware that with some exceptions most churches except the big basilicas and the pantheon tend to close at noontime and not reopen until 3 or 4. In my experience morning visits are better in winter (not enough light to see in late afternoon.

In terms of where you can go within the church, use good judgment - mostly, you will be able to get close enough to see what you want to see - these churches have been hosting tourists for hundreds of years.

bring coins to turn on the lights - you will see after youve been in a couple what denomination is needed.

There is no obvious form of respect you will need to display - Id say a man should take off a hat, but apart from being decently dressed and not too loud, I cant think of anything else.

Thanks for the info. If the entry door to the church is not open, does this automatically indicate the church is closed?

I would say that a locked door is a good indication of it being closed.

Also - Some churches allow photography and video cameras, others do not. Be aware of signs just inside or just outside the main doors.

thanks again, appreciated!

Photos are fine in all churches I've been in Rome (except Sistine Chapel). But no flash. If you don't know how to turn off your flash, learn it now. You'll get shake, so learn how to put the camera against a pillar, on a bench, etc, to steady it.

Photography is a hobby of mine, and will keep the flash restriction in mind.

Thanks for the tip!

Not all churches allow photography. I cannot recall the names but I know I saw some of the signs with a camera and a line through it..just be aware.

No flash, for two reasons:

1. It bothers everyone else.
2. and more important: The strong light of the flash harms the works of art, especially frescoes and all kinds of textile. One single flash wouldn't matter, but hundreds or thousands each day do. So please, if you consider yourselves art lovers, don't use the flash.

And even if you don't consider yourself an art lover, still don't use the flash.

And if one's now buying a camera or lens for travel, seriously consider one with image stabilization. I took dozens of interior pictures of churches in Sicily and Sorrento/Amalfi, with IS. All handheld.

No prob's , am fully aware of the consequences of repeated flash on paintings, frescoes etc. Just to add a bit of technical info, the strength of the flash on your camera is always the same, its only the duration of the flash which differs; either way surface damage from flash exposure can occur.

rkkwan
Good point. Its surprising how dark the interior of some churches are, and I have used an IS lens in the past for non flash exposures. As you mentioned, images turn out great.