The informational 'Packing List' that we shared at our recent parent meeting did not address needs regarding what we must wear when touring Vatican City.
A dress code is enforced for entry into St. Peter’s Basilica and Churches in general in Italy. The code is based upon what is considered “modest” and “appropriate” dress for visiting a Catholic church, and visitors are reminded that, although St. Peter’s is an architectural and artistic monument, it is first a place of worship and prayer. The dress code forbids:
- hats for lay men inside the Basilica
- shorts/skirts above the knees
- sleeveless shirts
- shirts exposing the navel
- shirts for women that expose cleavage
- shirts which contain profanity
For the sake of our tour, the travel agency we are working with has advised that we require the following of all student and adult participants:
MEN:
Long pants. 'Dockers' style. No jeans. No shorts. Dress shoes. Collared shirt (i.e. a short sleeved 'polo' style shirt.
WOMEN:
Long pants, or a skirt that hangs below the knees. Dark or neutral colors (this is not the time to wear your bright pink Easter dress). No jeans. No shorts. Dress shoes. Shirt/blouse must have sleeves, and be extremely conservative. Higher neck line is important.
We have been told that admittance can sometimes be based on the preference of the guard who is working at the time. Some guards might allow a visitor with nice jeans to enter, while another might take issue with jeans, and not let the person enter. For this reason, as a tour group we are going to prohibit jeans completely at the Vatican, to ensure that we do not have an issue. Wouldn't it be a shame to travel half-way around the world, and then not be able to see the Vatican because you had on jeans?
As our travel agent said to us, " ... best to think of this like you are going to a formal church on Sunday with your grandparents."
