The grounds of the Vatican are considered to have sacred importance by Catholics worldwide. Therefore, just like with any other religious site, it is very important to respect and adhere to the dress code the Vatican has laid out.
Rome is a city made for fashion and it is quite often that visitors expand their fashion tresholds and play with the freedom of expression they can practice here, style-wise.
However, they should be aware of specific dressing requirements for Vatican City. This will ensure entry into some of the key locations such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
This article will provide all the essential guidelines to help tourists dress appropriately for their visits.
Vatican dress code: What you need to know before visiting
The dress code holds a lot of importance for the action of visiting the Vatican.
This is a sacred place and so there are specific rules about clothing that must be followed. It is mandatory to cover shoulders and knees, and it is prohibited to wear transparent or overly tight clothing.
If you do not adhere to these rules there is the possibility of being denied entry.
How strict is the Vatican dress code?
The Vatican dress code is quite important to adhere to.
Although there are some variations to the requirements in place for different locations within the Vatican, most areas of interest have rigid dress rules in place.
Be aware of discreet but rigorous checks by staff at the entrance of different Vatican sites, especially for St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. There have been many previous cases of visitors being turned away for wearing mini skirts, tank tops and even modest athletic wear!
No one is exempt from the Vatican dress code. In 1983 Madonna was asked to leave the premises of St. Peter’s Basilica for wearing a short skirt and a sleeveless shirt!
Dress code for St. Peter’s Basilica
With it being one of the most sacred locations of the Vatican, the dress code for St. Peter’s Basilica is particularly strict.
Very short clothing is prohibited; make sure that your shoulders and knees are always covered! Transparent clothing pieces can always result in you being turned away from the entrance. Make sure that none of your pieces are offensive in cut, style or in their graphic content.
We have outlined very specific rules for St. Peter’s Basilica below, in the sections regarding Vatican dress codes for men and women.
Dress code for St. Peter’s Square
Although St. Peter’s Square is technically an outdoor space, it is still part of the Vatican complex and so it is advisable to maintain respectful attire.
Although the enforcement of dress code rules may be less strict than in the Basilica, it is still good practice to follow the same guidelines. Be careful not to shed modest layers as soon as you step out of St. Peter’s Basilica, regardless of the weather conditions! Avoid clothing that is too short or revealing, and maintain a generally respectful tone through your appearance.
Dress code for Vatican Museums
The dress code for Vatican Museums is very similar to that of the Basilica.
Please remember that the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, are places of great historical and religious importance, and clothing should reflect this solemnity.
The museum layout is vast and complex, so there are discreet dress code checks at various entrances within the location. Make sure to respect the rules throughout, even in spaces where you feel like there is less security around.
This will ensure an uninterrupted experience at the Vatican!
Dress code for Vatican Gardens
While the Vatican Gardens dress code is slightly more relaxed than in the Basilica or the museums, visitors are still expected to dress respectfully.
We urge you to continue covering your shoulders and knees in the gardens as they are still a part of the Vatican’s sacred grounds.
It is recommended to wear modest and comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in and is suitable to walking and exploring the gardens. However, try to avoid clothing that is too casual like shorts and tank tops.
Your experience of the Vatican will only be further enhanced by remaining respectful to its long-rooted traditions.
Vatican dress code for women
Regardless of how you choose to express yourself through style, make sure to dress modestly for the sacred sites of the Vatican!
Here are some vital protocols to follow:
- Do not wear tank tops, spaghetti strap tops or strapless tops that expose your shoulders
- Steer clear of shirts that expose your midriff
- Avoid skirts or shorts that are shorter than knee-length. Covering your knees is also advisable.
- Do not wear shirts that expose cleavage
- Choose shoes without heels and jewellery that does not make too much noise during movement
- Refrain from wearing more transparent materials like unlined lace, mesh or even very thin linen!
Vatican dress code for men
Men aren’t exempt from having attire guidelines either!
The Vatican dress code for men recommends adhering to the following:
- Wear long pants or knee-length shorts
- Wear shirts or t-shirts that cover your shoulders. No vests!
- Avoid wearing informal hats like baseball caps or bandanas
- Choose clean, closed shoes over flip flops or other open-toed options
- Avoid clothes with potentially offensive slogans or slurs
- Cover any potentially insensitive tattoos
- Avoid wearing any transparent materials.
Of course, the clothing slogan and tattoo rules apply for women as well!
What shoes to wear according to the Vatican dress code
It is very important to wear the right kind of shoes as part of the Vatican dress code.
Here is what not to wear:
- Flip flops
- Open-toed sandals
- Sports shoes
- High heels
- Any heeled boots or shoes that make noise whilst walking across the floor
Make sure the shoes you choose are also comfortable since exploring the Vatican requires a lot of walking. Another tip is to avoid wearing new pairs of shoes that you have not broken into yet. The last problem you want to be dealing with is looking down at painful chafing by your shoes instead of looking up at magnificent frescoes!
Visiting Vatican City in summer: What to wear
We understand that a Roman (and hence Vatican) summer can get blazingly hot!
However, instead of forgoing the Vatican dress code to beat the heat, we suggest:
- Wearing clothing made of lightweight materials that adequately cover shoulders and knees. Linen is a popular option!
- Opting for breathable garments like long skirts or loose pants over skin-tight, heavy material clothing.
- Keeping sunglasses and more formal hats on only when in the outdoor spaces such as the square or the gardens.
Vatican dress code for visitors: Common mistakes to avoid
We always recommend for you to plan your Vatican outfit in advance to avoid issues at the entrance.
Always keep the most common Vatican dress code violations in mind: wearing shorts, sleeveless tops and/or transparent clothing.
Are you planning an impromptu visit to the Vatican during a day out in Rome?
A popular tip is to always keep a scarf or wrap with you in order to easily adapt your clothing to the dress code. This is a good tip for general travel within Rome since you will bump into many beautiful churches that require you to dress more modestly.
Need a reminder for the Vatican dress code before your visit?
Download this simple guide which summarizes the rules and dress code for entering the Vatican.
Also remember that there are many guided tours of the Vatican on the Walks Inside Rome website, which provide all the necessary information for you to arrive well-prepared for the experience, including comprehensive attire guidelines!
