Going to Italy next week and after reading different posts on this website, I need clarification on wearing a skirt to the Vatican.

I know to keep shoulders covered. But, is a black shirt that's 2" above the knee...along with black stockings...okay to wear to the Vatican? Thanks!

They usually want skirts down to the knee at a minimum. You might get in or you might not - depending on the particular guards on duty.

Why not wear pants? Or a longer skirt?

Agreeing with the idea above. Why risk it? Wear something more modest that you know will not be questioned on that day. Aren't you going to have a pair of pants with you?

When we were there a few weeks ago someone (man) on our tour was wearing shorts. They didn't even bat an eye. I don't think they are as strict as you think. I saw females with sleeveless blouses etc everyone was extremely casual. If you must wear a short skirt carry a large scarf and tie it around your waist when you enter.

I've often seen men/boys get by in long shorts, but never women.

38 years ago, my sister was denied entrance into St. Marks (Venice) because she was sleeveless. So she wore her dress with sleeves when we went to the Vatican. Unfortunately, it was above her knees and she was yanked out of line at St. Peter's!

Or how about taking a longer skirt?

I could be wrong but I think the dress code is more lax for the Vatican Museums but very strict for St. Peter's Basilica.
Regards, Walter

Wow! A skirt 2" above the knee would have just been acceptable at a midwest parochial high school in 1975. Vatican must really be strict because coupled with black tights it would practically be a nun's garb. Ah well, when in Rome or in this case, when in the Vatican...

Is it that hard to pay respect to the culture and faith of the people in a country where you are a guest?

You must have great legs and be very careful sitting.

Go for a longer skirt or pants as suggested.

I think it's very odd that you ask this question a week before you will be at the Vatican. You have plenty of time to bring something more appropriate.

Are all your skirts that short? Don't you have any pants you could wear?

quokka,

Very, very good point. You are a guest in their country and they are not asking too much.

Tom

Ridiculous question. Everybody knows what "modest attire" means in Western Europe and it certainly is not difficult to find something in your wardrobe that will be appropriate without having to ask!

One more point...if you have to ask the question, it is likely to be a problem.

To be fair to jewelhawg, it is her first time to ask this question, and I get the impression that she is making her first visit to Europe, BUT...

it seems that every time somebody asks about what to wear when visiting the Vatican, the underlying question is "can I get away with less than full compliance?"

The answer is that maybe you can, but why push the limits?

Good night...I was simply asking the question because I've never been there. I just heard last week you weren't suppose to expose your shoulders, but I didn't know about knees until yesterday when I'd read no shorts. I didn't want to be disrespectful so I was asking for clarification...not a lecture.

Originally I was just going to take jeans on the trip until I heard everyone dresses up in Italy so I thought about a black skirt I could take.

I'll stick with jeans and black slacks.

I've asked Fodorites suggestions before, but never have I been given such rude comments. Get a grip!

jewelhawg, you indicated that you had "read different posts on this website", and yet you asked the question that you posed.

Given what has been posted here about the requirements on many previous occasions, it is remarkable that you should have had any doubts.

Do a search on "vatican dress" and you should understand why the responses to your question had a tone that did not please you.

And do bear in mind that you got your answer.

I was told by our travel agent "no bare shoulders".

On Fodors, I read "no shorts"... "capris are fine". I didn't read anything about skirts. I understand that a mini-skirt would be offensive...I wouldn't wear one to my church...hey, I wouldn't wear one anyway.

I'll be better off in just jeans and a black pair of pants...less to pack and tote around.

I just got back from Italy two weeks ago and everyone wears jeans these days. The only problem packing them is they are heavy and if they get damp/wet take forever to dry.

It's not just the Vatican that has dress rules. Many churches have the same restrictions. Some will have people posted at the doors and others won't. I think it will be cold enough that you won't want to wear skirts anyway.