Dress code for churches in Italy; how strict?

[shadypines]

Staying in Sorrento so envisage visiting some of the churches in the city and also more remote areas and possibly Capri. I have read no shorts, above knee skirts and no shoulders/arms showing for women. Is this a strict code or do you find it varies? Thanks.

In the Vatican I wore a sarong over my shorts and made sure I was wearing a tshirt with sleeves. I never had an issue.

Be aware some churches may have a dress code for men as well. When I visited the Vatican several men were turned away for wearing vest tops and the guards wouldn’t allow them to cover up with a shawl, they insisted on proper sleeves.

@Geamhradh I lived there but go ahead and tell all your friends not to worry when they go into the main Catholic Church in the world, in one of the most catholic countries in the world, with its own police force. Tell them to wear whatever they want, tell them the guys hanging about in the funny outfits are playing dress up and they should ask for pictures too! 😉 The Pope's guards are super friendly!

We were in a church in Rome and my DD had her shoulders covered but short sleeves which revealed a tattoo. She literally got chased out the door.

I’ve just got back from Venice and girls were having to tie scarves around their legs and pin them at the side because of their shorts. I also saw a teenager having to put on a cardigan in 30 degrees to be allowed into St Marks. ( I think it was her mums)

Really depends on the church but I wouldn't go in any with bare shoulders. Applies to men and women.

Vatican they will also make you cover up shorts with a shawl - again men and women.

Have been to Orthodox churches in Greece where women were provided with tie on skirts if they were wearing trousers.

So definitely no bare shoulders, and although you may get away with shorts be aware you are likely causing offence in a church that doesn't have staff to police entry.

Exactly the same level of respect reserved for God, or any other idol, in any country across the world. In my local Anglican church the congregation attends Church dressed in a respectful way - long shorts, dresses skirts not too far above the knee, no indiscreet cleavage, etc. Nowadays it's some of the brides who sail close to the wind.