The rule in short
The official Vatican Museums website states that entry to the museums, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica and the gardens is permitted only to appropriately dressed visitors. The following are not admitted:
- sleeveless or low-cut garments;
- shorts above the knee and miniskirts;
- hats.
The museums reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone improperly dressed. The rules add that visible personal items or distinctive signs (such as tattoos) that offend Catholic morality or common decency may also be refused.
How to dress in summer
The check takes place at the entrance, after a queue that is often in the sun in summer. Choose a short-sleeved T-shirt or a light shirt, light trousers or a long skirt. A light scarf or shawl in your bag covers your shoulders in seconds. A visit to the Vatican Museums and St Peter's Basilica means long walks: bring comfortable shoes.
Bags, food and cloakroom
At the Vatican Museums, suitcases, rucksacks and large bags (over 40 x 35 x 15 cm), coats, and food and drink of any kind must be left in the free cloakroom. Eating and drinking is forbidden in the halls, and alcoholic drinks must be left in the cloakroom. Animals are not admitted, except guide dogs and certified therapy animals. If you are continuing to the basilica, do not leave luggage in the museums' cloakroom: the basilica has none.
Other churches in Rome
Rome's other churches, including the Basilica of St John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore, are active places of worship, and the written rules of each are not all published. The simplest precaution is to apply the Vatican rule everywhere: shoulders and knees covered, hat removed.
Going further
To plan the day, see our page on the Vatican Museums. For the other practical topics, the guide to etiquette and rules in Rome gathers them.
