Churches in Italy: 5 Tips for Visiting

by sockii

The churches of Italy are some of the most beautiful artistic and architectural treasures in the country. But be mindful of proper etiquette and decorum!

If you're planning a trip to any city or region of Italy, you simply must be sure to visit some of the country's incredible churches. Whether you are a fan of classical art, Renaissance architecture, or simply a student of history, Italy's churches are some of the best places to experience the country's amazing culture and heritage, and to see religious art in the environment in which it was originally intended to be displayed.

However, visiting a house of worship is not the same as visiting a museum, gallery, or other kind of tourist attraction. There are certain rules of etiquette tourists should observe when visiting Italy's magnificent churches and basilicas, whether or not you are a practitioner of the Christian faith. These rules of etiquette are simple to follow, and will ensure that you can enjoy and admire some of Italy's finest treasures without aggravation, stress or disappointment.

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

Inside the magnificent Duomo of Siena, Italy.
Inside the magnificent Duomo of Siena, Italy.

1. Plan Ahead

Do your research so you won't be left standing outside in the cold

In planning your itinerary in Italy, be sure to check on the admittance hours and open days for the churches you want to visit. Some may only be open certain days of the week, particularly for tourists not there for worship. Often churches may be open to the public in the early morning, perhaps 9am - noon, and then re-opened between 3pm - 6pm (later evenings during summer months.)For some of the most popular churches and attractions, such as Duomo of Florence, plan on arriving early and standing in line for some time, particularly if you want to climb the dome, visit the baptistry, or other special sites and attractions. And of course, if you'd like to attend a papal mass and "audience" with the Pope in Vatican City, you must obtain (free) tickets in advance.

Sant'Apollinare in Classe outside of Ravenna
Sant'Apollinare in Classe outside of Ravenna

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.

Outside St. Mark's Basilica in Venice Outside St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
Outside St. Mark's Basilica in Venice Outside St. Mark's Basilica in Venice

2. Dress Appropriately

Leave the short shorts and tank tops for another day

Dressed for churchRules 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.)

Remember: Churches are holy places. Do not be "cast out" for improper behavior or attire.
Remember: Churches are holy places. Do not be "cast out" for improper behavior or attire.

3. Silence Your Cellphone

This rule of etiquette should be obvious

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.

Duomo di Siena
Duomo di Siena

4. Check Posted Rules About Photography - And Follow Them!

It's about both respect and preservation

Most large churches which see regular tourist visitors will have posted notices regarding photography. Please respect these rules. Generally flash photography is 100% forbidden, not just because of the disruption to other visitors and worshipers but because of the damage it can cause to fragile artwork. So be sure to turn your flash settings to "OFF" before entering (you may even wish to use your finger to cover the red focus light - I've been yelled at by those thinking it meant my flash is on, even when it wasn't.)

If no photography is allowed, please respect that rule. Most churches with no photography will have a souvenir shop or book-stand on site where you can purchase professional photographs, postcards, and even illustrated books all about the church and its history. Sales of these items go to support restoration and operating funds for the church, so you will be supporting good works by purchasing them (and often at very nominal prices.)

Notice the sign to the right indicating rules for conduct in this church in Siena.
Notice the sign to the right indicating rules for conduct in this church in Siena.

5. Bring Plenty of Euro Coins

Not just for admission but for lighting

Michelangelo's MosesWhen 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.

Don't forget to look up! The ceilings in many churches will astound you.
Frescoes on a church ceiling
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro in Bologna, Italy
Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro in Bologna, Italy
Updated: 10/28/2018, sockii
 
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blackspanielgallery on 06/12/2015

These things should, and note the word "should" be obvious, but today things have deteriorated in etiquette far too much.
I was a bit surprised about coin operated lights.

sockii on 05/21/2015

Exactly. It is important to remember that while these buildings are beautiful and worth visiting as a tourist, they are also places of worship to be respected.

frankbeswick on 05/21/2015

Well said. Too many people think that they can enter a place of worship dressed as they please, without consideration of the cultural ethos of the location.

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