If you’re planning a trip to the Vatican in Rome, you might not be aware of the historic site’s dress code. Being the home of Catholicism and the official residence of the Pope, the Vatican implements a strict dress code policy, and not abiding by this code will most likely see you refused entry to the site.

So, what is the dress code for the Vatican, and what happens if you turn up in the wrong attire? Let’s take a look.

What to wear at the Vatican

If you’re visiting the Vatican, both men and women must abide by the following rules on dress code:

No bare shoulders

When touring the Vatican, all visitors are required to cover up their shoulders and upper arms, so you’ll want to avoid tank tops and spaghetti-strap shirts. Both men and women should also keep their shirts buttoned up at all times, and make sure that your midriff or belly isn’t showing. If you’re visiting in the summer and likely to be wearing summer-appropriate attire, you can easily bring a shawl or scarf to wrap around your shoulders during your visit – just make sure that you’re covered at all times.

No short skirts

While the Italian weather might be perfect for trying out your new favourite mini skirt, the Vatican’s rules prohibit visitors from wearing anything above the knee. Save your shorter items for when it comes to touring other Rome tourist sites, such as the Colosseum or the Pantheon.

This also applies to men; you can’t wear any shorts that sit above the knee, so make sure you’re wearing either full-length trousers or mid-length shorts that go past the knees.

No low necklines

Women must be sure to avoid any clothing that reveals too much cleavage, which means avoiding any low-cut or plunging dresses and tops. Instead, opt for long sleeves and higher necklines. While the Vatican doesn’t explicitly specify what it considers to be ‘too revealing’, erring on the side of caution is probably your safest bet. When in doubt, ask yourself the question: “would I wear this to a place of worship?” If the answer is no, don’t wear it.

Hat policy

Men must remove any headwear when stepping inside the Vatican, although this rule doesn’t apply to women. Headgear includes caps, winter hats, and hoods.

Bags and rucksacks

Don’t forget about accessories – all large bags, rucksacks, and suitcases are forbidden, and must be left in the Vatican cloakroom. The same goes for larger umbrellas, and any large video equipment.

What not to wear at the Vatican?

Aside from abiding by the rules listed above, you should also make a general effort to dress conservatively for your visit to the Vatican. This means avoiding any obscene or offensive t-shirts, tight or revealing clothing, or even a pair of open-toed flip flops or sandals.

It’s not simply a question of respecting the religious site – although that’s important too – but you may actually be denied entry to the Vatican if your outfit is deemed inappropriate, even if you meet the guidelines listed above.

While there are no exact specifications on what is considered “appropriate” clothing (aside from those listed above), the Vatican prohibits entry to anybody displaying “jewelry or tattoos that may offend Catholic morality, the Catholic religion, and common decency.” If you want to ensure that you’re not denied entry to the historic site, wear modest, motif-free clothing and make sure you’re covered up. It’s that simple!

Why does the Vatican have a dress code?

The Vatican is the official residence of the Pope, as well as the official headquarters of the Catholic Church. While many Catholics might take a more liberal approach to their everyday attire in the 21st century, the Vatican still takes a traditional and conservative stance on modesty. For this reason, any visitor is expected to respect these principles and dress conservatively when touring the site.

What happens if I don’t meet the Vatican dress code requirements?

If you turn up at the Vatican in inappropriate clothing, you’ll either be refused entry to the site or ordered to cover up with a shawl or scarf. You may be able to buy a scarf on-site if you haven’t brought one with you, but expect to pay sky-high prices.

If you’re refused entry to the Vatican due to an offensive symbol or motif that you’re unable to cover up (such as a tattoo or a t-shirt) you will most likely be unable to enter the Vatican altogether. If you’re visiting the site with a Vatican tours service, this will hold up the group and could even result in you losing the money you paid for your tour. To avoid this, stick to simple and modest attire, and refrain from wearing any potentially offensive symbols.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, Italy, it isn’t complete with a comprehensive tour of the Colosseum. Once a site for fierce gladiator battles during the Roman period, the tourist attraction is now one of the most popular historic monuments in Italy.

That being said, Rome isn’t just home to the Colosseum; from the Pantheon to the Vatican Museums, to the Trevi Fountain and the Sistine Chapel, there are lots of key sites to visit, and you’ll want to ensure that you have enough time to see them all.

So, how long does it take to tour the Colosseum? If you’re planning a tight schedule for your Rome sightseeing, we’re going to cover all you need to know below. Let’s take a look!

How long does it take to tour the Colosseum?

How long does it take to tour the Colosseum?If you’re visiting without a tour guide, it will usually take at least 1 hour and 30 minutes for you to complete a swift tour of the Colosseum, while still having enough time for some photos. However, this doesn’t include the time spent waiting in line for entry, which can shave hours off your schedule.

How long does it take to queue for the Colosseum?

During busy periods, such as the summer and school holidays, you can expect to wait anywhere from 1-2 hours before gaining entry to the Colosseum.

How can I avoid waiting times at the Colosseum?

One of the easiest ways to avoid long waiting lines at the Colosseum is to organise a private guided tour. A private tour package will usually come with skip-the-line privileges, allowing you to manage your sightseeing schedule while avoiding long, sweaty waiting times outside.

A private tour is also the superior choice over a group tour if you’re looking to reduce waiting times; don’t forget that you’ll need to go through security and check in your belongings before entry. If you’re in a large group, this can add more time to your wait.

What other benefits does a Colosseum tour offer?

Aside from helping you manage your time (and saving you hours spent in the line under the Italian sun!) here are just some other benefits of a private Colosseum tour:

Expert knowledge

If you’ve ever been touring a historic site and yearned for more information about a statue, symbol, or any other historic artefact, you won’t be left wondering with a private tour! Your tour guide will be on-hand to offer you expert, in-depth knowledge about the Colosseum and its rich history, so you won’t have to whip out your smartphone whenever you have a query.

Ask as many questions as you like

Unlike a group tour – where your questions may be limited – a private tour offers you the possibility to ask as many questions you like about the Colosseum and its long history. With your tour guide on-hand, your trip to the Colosseum won’t feel like a formulaic, ritual tour; it’ll feel more like touring the historic site with an incredibly knowledgeable friend.

Early morning tours

Many private Colosseum tours begin in the morning, which is a great way to avoid the crowds while also freeing up more time in the day to explore other tourist sites. A morning tour is also going to be less crowded, so you’ll have more space to explore and take photographs as you please. With What a Life Tours, you can even experience the Colosseum under the moonlight, making it the perfect choice for those on a romantic getaway. Gladiator-inspired moonlight proposal, anyone?

VIP access

With a private guided Colosseum tour, you’ll have access to areas of the Colosseum that are closed to general visitors; this includes the underground area, the top-tiers, as well as the arena floor. This will give you an exclusive peek at some of Italy’s most historic underground tunnels, and offer you the photo opportunity of a lifetime on the arena stage in the world’s most famous amphitheatre!

With a more intimate setting and VIP access to the full historic site, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive Colosseum experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

FAQs

Is there a dress code for the Colosseum?

No – unlike the Vatican and some other tourist sites in Italy, there’s no imposed dress code at the Colosseum. That being said, we’d recommend that you wear comfy shoes and weather-appropriate clothes!

How much time do you need at the Colosseum?

If you’re going to be visiting the historic Colosseum, there’s no point in taking a quick look and heading off elsewhere! The best Colosseum experience is with a private guided tour, which will not only allow you access to in-depth historic knowledge from a trained guide, but will also help you to manage your visit time-wise. Most Colosseum tours can take anywhere between 2 and half hours and 3 and a half hours, so you can easily plan your day around your trip.

If you’re going to be visiting Rome, a tour of the Vatican should be high on your vacation to-do list. The home of Catholicism, and officially the smallest country in the world, the Vatican is host to some of the world’s most famous historical artefacts, sculptures, paintings, and more.

In this quick guide, we’re going to go over some of the main reasons to book a tour of the Vatican: from avoiding the long tourist lines to experiencing some of the world’s most famous history in just one day. Let’s take a look!

What does a tour of the Vatican include?

A Vatican private tour is one of the best ways to explore this historic landmark, with VIP access and the ability to skip the long tourist lines typically included in the package. Generally, a tour of the Vatican includes the following:

• A tour of the Vatican museum, home to over 70,000 historic paintings and sculptures, including The Pinacoteca and the Gallery of the Tapestries
• A visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, a Renaissance-style cathedral built in 1506.
• A visit to the Sistine Chapel, the site of Michelangelo’s most famous artwork.

Why you should get a guided tour of the Vatican

Any trip to Rome is incomplete without a trip to the historic Vatican; with so much to see and so much history to explore, it’s the perfect place to explore both Italian and world culture. Even better, it’s situated right in the centre of Rome. But the best way to experience the Vatican is with a private guided tour.

Here are just some of the reasons you should book a tour of the Vatican:

Expert tour guides

When you book a private tour of the Vatican, you’ll be treating yourself to VIP access to this historic site, with an expert tour guide assigned to your private group. Unlike larger tours, you’ll be able to discuss historical subjects related to the Vatican at length with your own personal tour guide, and ask as many questions as you like about the various paintings, sculptures, and artefacts on display. You’ll have access to expert knowledge and historical expertise that simply isn’t available if you decide to tour the Vatican alone.

Time-saving

Another reason to book a private Vatican tour is that you’ll be able to skip the line and enjoy direct access to all the museums and galleries, saving hours that would have been otherwise spent in a long and uncomfortable general access line! Not only does a private tour help you skip the line, it’ll also help you save time in other respects, too: for example, all visitors will need to pass through a quick security check before being granted access to the Vatican. For small, private groups, the security check won’t take more than a couple of minutes. However, if you’re in a large group, this could take much longer, and have you waiting around even more.

Additionally, the Vatican imposes a strict dress code for all visitors: if members of your large group aren’t dressed appropriately, this could mean even longer waiting times. Instead, book a private tour, and enjoy direct, swift access to the Vatican.

Personalise the experience

Did you know that there are over 9 miles of corridors to explore in the Vatican museums? If you’re planning on visiting the Vatican museum to see a specific piece of artwork, or explore a specific time period or the works of a specific artist, it could take hours for you to find what you’re looking for. With a private tour guide, you’ll be able to tailor your tour experience according to your interests, and your guide will be able to direct you to the areas of the Vatican that you want to see the most.

Not only that, but your guide will also be able to offer you expert anecdotes and historical facts about every section of the Vatican museums. So not only will you be able to see what you love the most, but you’ll also leave with an enriched historical understanding.

Is a Vatican tour worth it?

Absolutely! A Vatican tour allows you to experience this historic landmark with expert guidance and VIP access. Not only will you be able to explore the site and ask your guide as many questions as you wish, but most Vatican tours also offer early morning slots, allowing you to beat the tourist rush and explore the historic site at your own pace.

Visiting the Vatican: FAQs

What is the Vatican dress code?

The Vatican dress code obliges both men and women to cover their knees and arms, while mini skirts, low-cut tops, and sleeveless tops are not allowed. Men will also be asked to remove their hats before entering the Vatican, although this rule doesn’t apply to women.

Will my Vatican tour guide speak English?

Yes! Private Vatican tours can be conducted in almost any language.

If you’re planning on visiting Rome, there’s no doubt that a tour of the colosseum is on your to-do list. Once used to host everything from gladiator tournaments to entertainment, over 6 million tourists visit the Colosseum every year, with over 2000 years of Roman history to explore at this historic site.

But is it worth getting a private guided tour of the Colosseum? In this blog, we’re going to take a look at some of the reasons why a guided tour makes for a better vacation experience, allowing you to learn more about ancient Rome, while also letting you skip those long queues. Let’s dive in!\

Why get a guided tour of the Colosseum?

While you’re free to explore the Colosseum yourself, you’re sure to enhance the experience when you opt for a guided tour. Here are just some reasons why a guided tour is your best option if you want to make the most of your Colosseum experience:

Skip the long tourist queues

As we mentioned in the introduction, over 6 million people visit the Colosseum every year. If we break it down per day, that’s almost 17,000 daily visitors! In fact, there are so many visitors to the Colosseum that you might even get turned away at the end of the day due to high demand – especially if you’re visiting Rome during the popular summer months. And even if you’re not turned away, you could still end up waiting in the queue for hours – hours lost that you could have spent exploring other historic sites elsewhere.

When you visit with a pre-booked colosseum tour, your slot will be reserved in advance, and you’ll be able to skip to the front of the line with your own personal tour guide. Not only does this save you waiting for hours to see the historic site, you’ll also be able to plan your sightseeing more efficiently.

Enrich your knowledge

One of the best things about visiting a historic site is getting clued up on all the fun facts, history, and ancient anecdotes relating to the site in question. If you decide to visit the Colosseum without a guide, you’ll be missing out on the countless tales, facts, and stories that your guide would be able to recount to you about how the Colosseum was used during the Roman period. Private tour guides aren’t just there to show you around and escort you out – they enrich the experience by offering tales and anecdotes that simply aren’t accessible for those who decide to tour alone.

More intimate experience

When it comes to guided tours, size matters. The larger your group size, the more difficulty you’ll have in enjoying a personalised Colosseum experience. Not only will you feel rushed from site to site, but you also won’t have the opportunity to really go into depth about any of the subjects most interesting to you. If you’re a self-confessed enthusiast for all things Roman history, a private tour is a must-have.

With a private tour, you’ll be able to discuss historic matters at length with your tour guide, and get real expertise and knowledge from experts in Roman history. You’ll also be able to ask your guide as many questions as you like, which simply isn’t always possible when touring as part of a larger group.

Personalise your tour

Another reason to opt for a guided tour of the Colosseum is that you’ll be able to personalise the experience to suit your interests. You’ll be able to spend more time at certain locations within the Colosseum if you wish, while having the time to stop and take some group photos. Your tour guide will also be happy to take any photos of your group for you, so you won’t need to have any of your group missing from the vacation photo album.

No waiting around

Aside from saving time by being able to skip the queues, a private tour of the Colosseum also means shorter waiting times in general. Don’t forget that you’ll be required to pass through a quick security check before being allowed entry to the Colosseum, so if you’re visiting with a large group, you could end up waiting ages for all group members to pass through security. With a private tour guide, you’ll be able to pass through security swiftly in your small group, and spend your precious vacation time touring the historic site.

The bottom line

Overall, a private guided tour of the Colosseum is essential if you want to save time and enjoy a more personalised tourist experience while in Rome. With a tour tailored to your interests, and the ability to ask as many questions as you like, you’ll enjoy an enriching, rewarding experience that simply isn’t possible when you visit alone.