How should one dress to enter a church?
KOH-meh chee see DEH-veh ves-TEE-reh pehr en-TRA-reh een KYE-zah.
Before visiting an important Italian church, especially in summer when tourist attire is minimal. Dress codes are enforced at major churches like St Peter's and the Vatican.
Come ci si deve vestire is an impersonal reflexive construction meaning how should one dress. Per entrare in chiesa means to enter a church. This question can save embarrassment at the entrance.
Devo coprire le spalle?
Do I need to cover my shoulders?
Bare shoulders are typically not permitted.
È necessaria la gonna sotto il ginocchio?
Is a skirt below the knee necessary?
Length requirements for skirts and shorts.
Hanno qualcosa da prestare all'ingresso?
Do they have something to lend at the entrance?
Some churches lend scarves or cover-ups.
The Vatican's dress code is strictly enforced — guards turn away thousands of visitors daily for inappropriate attire. San Marco in Venice, the Duomo in Florence, and virtually all major Italian churches apply similar rules. Keep a light scarf in your bag when touring Italian cities.