Planning on visiting some of Italy’s iconic attractions this summer? Well, if you want to experience the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica, Florence’s Duomo– you’ll need to be dressed appropriately.

Due to religious grounds, there are strict rules surrounding clothing and modesty.

While these regulations aren’t new, some communities in Italy have also recently introduced strict dress codes when walking around town.

Here is everything you need to know about what to wear in your travels.

Beachwear banned in Italian towns

Several destinations have also cracked down on how tourists dress when walking around town.

In 2022, the mayor of the coastal town of Sorrento banned walking around the centre in swimwear.

Massimo Coppola wrote: “This behavior can become a cause for unease and discomfort for both Sorrento residents and tourists…In this way, we want to protect and improve the city’s liveability, quality of life and decorum inside the city center and public spaces.”

The offence now carries a fine of up to £500.

A similar rule also stands in Lipari, the largest of Sicily’s Aeolian islands. Since 2013, wearing swimming costumes or flip-flops could land you a fine of up to £500.

In Venice, sightseeing in improper clothing also carries the same fine.

Church dress codes:
A majority of Italy’s top attractions are churches, cathedrals or religious sites.

You must follow certain clothing rules unless you want to be turned away.

Often, a sign outside indicates what you can and can’t wear. It is forbidden for both men and women to enter with uncovered shoulders, midriffs or knees.

This means no spaghetti straps, sleeveless tops/vests, crop tops, shorts or above-the-knee dresses/skirts.

Some attractions offer shawls or cover-ups if needed.

Last month, an Australian traveler posted a TikTok about wearing an overly revealing outfit when in Rome.

The 26-year-old’s white dress was too short and low cut, meaning she was not allowed to enter the Vatican, the Pantheon and the Museum of the Dead.

In less-touristy attractions like parish churches, there may not be any staff enforcing dress codes but, as a sign of respect, you should follow general rules.