With the child abuse trial in Kentucky, and the efforts of the Vatican to separate itself from the many bishops working here in the States, it's unlikely they will notice your attire.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/05/17/...iref=allsearch

Of course, you could always go with the old rule that, if you can't wear it to a church picnic, you can't wear it to the Vatican on a hot summer day.

"Of course, you could always go with the old rule that, if you can't wear it to a church picnic, you can't wear it to the Vatican on a hot summer day."

From what I have seen at church in recent years, picnic or service, that rule sadly no longer applies.

"With the child abuse trial in Kentucky, and the efforts of the Vatican to separate itself from the many bishops working here in the States, it's unlikely they will notice your attire. "

Not sure if you meant to imply your attire would not be noticed at St. Peters but if you did, that is not accurate. Those not observing the dress code should be prepared to be banned from admission.

We were there last summer and were quite shocked to see that there was NO restriction on the attire at the Vatican, which was very different from prior visits, especially those some 20 years ago.

You'll be fine. The attire you're describing isn't that different from what the modern day nuns are seen wearing.

Even during the big heat wave of 2003, the Vatican was turning people away from St. Peter's that weren't dressed properly. Many guys with cargo shorts were forced to buy paper pants from the street vendors to gain admission. I've also seen people turned away in Assisi.

"that there was NO restriction on the attire at the Vatican"

For the Vatican museums that is correct. But St. Peters does have and enforce as do random other churches. This has never been an issue for us as we don't pack or wear shorts unless we are visiting towns along the coast where they are appropriate in summer.

I was asked to "cover up" in the main cathedral in Siena. I was wearing a tank top and pants. Thus I think the main thing is to have your shoulders covered.

"Thus I think the main thing is to have your shoulders covered."

Shoulders and knees are the rules at St. Peters as well as some other churches. Not sure really why some find this vague as it is posted clearly.

I must tell you my experience. We went to visit the St Pierre basilica with my wife. I was wearing a short pant just above the knees. We took the tickets and two audioguides and got into the basilica without problem. We were amazed by all that wealth and pride exposed by a religion proning charity and humility! When we arrived at the half of the visit, I had to go urgently to the toilets, so I asked my wife to stay where we had arrived and to wait for me. When a was finished, I wanted to go back into the basilica. As there was a huge waiting queue and as I had already been inside, I thought that I could cut the queue and get in. An the security gards arrested me, arguing that my shorts were too short. I tryed to explain them that I had already been in, visited the half of the basilica and that my wife was waiting for me. I said that in french, in english and in german, but accidentally, none of the cerberus at the entrance spoke anything else than italian. After half an hour and as I could not go without my wife, one of the cerberus accepted to accompany me into the basilica to my wife. As we where walking, I showed him many other men with the same shorts as me, visiting!
So, I think that you can get in or not, all depends of the mood of the security at the entrance. If you do not want trouble, put on long pants.

This type of thread seems to repeat itself and particularly for Americans. How difficult is it to dress modestly? Would you visit the Queen of England in shorts, torn jeans, plunging necklines, will power tops, bustiers, see through dresses/tops, flip flops, torn sneakers? I think not. If you want to visit a museum, do so and dress as you like, you could become part of the viewing for other visitors. In any church, whether in Italy or any else, or in fact any house of worship you are entering a place considered holy by the people who use it. If you cannot behave appropriately and wish to display yourself, find somewhere else to do it. Houses of worship are not free museums or side shows.

"Comfort has its place, but it seems rude to visit another country dressed as if you've come to mow its lawns." —David Sedaris (Me Talk Pretty One Day)

I love that quote.

I don;t see what visiting QEII has to do with anything.

She is a head of state - not a religions institution - and one visits her by invitation only. If one accepts and invitation to visit her one dresses appropriately - or one does not go.

Wearing appropriate clothing in church is a matter of respect for the rules of the religion - the local rules. Churches are actually private - not public - places and they can make any rules they like on a local basis. No one has any "right" to enter - except granted by the institution.

If one is so wedded to wearing shorts and tank tops - then just plan on not visiting churches in Italy.

In Florence at the Duomo, an eleven year old girl in our tour group was given a paper poncho to wear because she had on shorts and a sleeveless top. The shorts were above the knee, but not short shorts.

Why did her parents let her go in shorts and a sleevless top to begin with, knowing they were going to churches?

>>I don;t see what visiting QEII has to do with anything.

She is a head of state - not a religions institution <<

Actually, it's pretty much the same consideration. Since the 1530s the English monarch (later the British Monarch after the union in the 1700s) has been the official and legal head of the Church in England, making our current Queen the actual head of a religious institution. ((That's what the whole reformation business and Henry VIII destroying monasteries left us with. He detached England from Rome and the Pope and made himself the Pope's effective equal over the English church. Hence, head of religious inst. and head of state all in one. ))

On topic - thank you to all who have posted about this. I have only been reading not posting but wanted to log in to say thanks as I'm considering going to the Vatican tomorrow on my last day in Rome. Now to hunt through my case for something that's appropriate, and just hope I don't overheat!