The Vatican follows a strict dress code for both men and women across all its attractions—St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens.

This is because the city is not just a major tourist attraction but also a holy site for Christianity and Roman Catholics in particular.

As a rule, you shouldn’t expose your shoulders and knees. This is displayed on colorful boards and flexes at all entrances to Museums and the Vatican attractions.

Source: RomeWise

Here’s a list of what you should not wear when visiting the Vatican:

Sleeveless tops
Low-cut tops exposing the midriff
Miniskirts
Shorts
Hats
Ripped jeans
Vests
Transparent clothing
Flip-flops

Avoid wearing jewelry, symbols, and slogans that may offend the Catholic religion and common decency.

If you have tattoos, make sure you cover them with appropriate clothing before you enter the Vatican.

Planning a visit to the Museums? Here’s all you need to know about the attraction’s dress code, its three entrance lines, opening and closing hours, the amenities within the Museums, how to reach the Vatican, and special tours like the Vatican Museums early morning and late evening tickets, Castle Gandolfo, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Gardens, and Vatican Grottoes & Necropolis tickets.

What happens if you break Vatican City’s dress code?

Pope Francis on a Vatican dress code — Image: Italianimpromptu.wordpress.com

So what happens if you reach the Museums in clothes that break the Vatican City’s dress code?

All you have to do is purchase plastic cloaks (poncho) that cover your shoulders and knees from the entrance counter. Under no circumstances will you be allowed to enter the Museums if you refuse to comply with the Vatican dress code.

If you have booked an early morning or late evening Vatican Museums ticket, dress appropriately for the occasion. For instance, you can carry an overcoat or shawl to keep you warm.

Footwear

When inside the Museums, you need to walk a lot. In fact, if you were to cover the entire length and breadth of the Vatican Museums by foot, you would have walked no less than 7 km! (4.3 miles).

Thus, it’s best to wear comfortable footwear. You can wear sandals, loafers, or sports shoes, but avoid flip-flops.

Temperature within the Vatican Museums

Tourist guide explaining and guiding the tourist — Image: Theromanguy.com

The reverse is true when you’re visiting the Museums during their regular opening hours. It’s tough to find the Vatican without crowds at any point of the day. In a place like the Museums, things can get pretty hot as most of the galleries have no air conditioning to safeguard the artifacts, tapestries, and frescoes from moisture and wear and tear.

We, thus, suggest you wear loose cotton or linen clothes to keep you naturally cool.

It’s best to avoid plastic ponchos, as they cling to your skin due to the humidity inside the Museums. So make sure you follow the Vatican dress code for a wholesome experience.