Churches in Italy: 5 Tips for Visiting

All photos on this page are by the author, sockii, unless provided by Amazon.

Be aware that there is often an admittance fee for visiting Italy's finest and most magnificent churches. These funds typically go to preserving the magnificent art, architecture and treasures within, so it is a small price to pay for such a wonderful experience. In some cities such as Venice, you can buy a Chorus Pass which allows for admittance into 16 of the city's finest churches, saving money and also making admittance easier as you go. Similar passes are offered in other cities, such as Verona and Ravenna, so if you plan on visiting multiple sites these passes will definitely save you money.

But to save even more - and also to visit churches when otherwise closed to tourists - you can enter for mass services if you plan on actually attending mass. That means no wandering about looking at artwork and having private conversations, but actually taking part in the traditional Catholic mass service. We have done this several times and it can be a wonderful experience to truly experience the beauty of the church as intended - and also enjoy a moment of religious reflection.

Rules of attire in Italy's churches are somewhat relaxed today as compared to the past (women no longer must wear a veil or hat to cover their heads in respect.) Still, a certain degree of modesty is expected and required - particularly if you are visiting an especially holy place such as St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, or St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.

Shoulders should be covered - so no tank tops, crop tops, or "spaghetti-string" tops, please (some churches may "loan" you a paper shawl if you forget. But that just looks silly.) No excessively short skirts or shorts, either - a knee length skirt is fine, slacks of course, or more modest longer shorts if you must. Yes, summer in Italy can be extremely hot - that's why I pack a lot of lightweight skirts to wear for sightseeing so I can stay comfortable and acceptably dressed for visiting churches.

Remember, too, that Italians take clothing and attire quite seriously, not just in churches but everywhere. Dress nicely and you will often be treated better than the typical American tourist in flip flops and tacky t-shirts. This includes if you have a special request perhaps to see a chapel that may be closed except for worship services, a particular work of art up close that's behind a barricade, or perhaps examine work under restoration. (Of course, offering a "donation" to the church at the same time you make such a request doesn't hurt in such cases, either.)

Churches are not a place for cellphones - not in any country. Always be sure to at least turn your ringer off and silence your cellphone before entering one of Italy's churches. Do not stand there sending texts, either (remember those expensive data roaming charges you're likely paying, after all.) If a call comes in (I hope on vibrate) that you simply must take, please exit the church first before answering. It's just common sense courtesy to those who are in the church for worship, and for other tourists who don't need their quiet contemplation interrupted by your personal conversations.

When you are out and about visiting churches, be sure to have plenty of 0.5 and 1 Euro coins on you. Spotlights on many notable paintings, sculptures and tombs may be coin-operated to raise money for the churches, especially those which do not charge an admission fee. It also helps preserve artwork that could otherwise suffer from excessive exposure to strong lighting.

The small coin boxes do not accept bills nor make change. You don't want to be left in the dark when seeing such magnificent works of art, like Michelangelo's Moses located in San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome. Small coins are also a good idea if you wish to light candles at altars and shrines, purchase postcards and souvenir books, and other small items for sale in the church. But be wary of the beggars outside of popular churches who may ask for those coins - many are not how they may dress or make themselves up to appear and could be thieves looking for vulnerable tourists to prey upon. If you wish to help the poor, leave a donation in the church's charity box.