Posted on 08/09/2010 7:54:12 PM PDT by NoLibZone
When In Rome – Cover Up New Strict Dress Code In Vatican City Could Catch Out Travellers Warns insurewithease.com
(Press Release) Insurewithease.com, leading independent travel insurance specialist is urging holidaymakers in Rome to heed a stricter dress code now being enforced by the Vatican City, which includes visitors to St Peter’s Square.
Some visitors turning up with bare shoulders and legs are being turned away, including shocked locals, just popping out to Vatican City for a paper or loaf of bread.
Insurewithease.com advises travellers to take appropriate clothing with them to Rome, so that they don’t get caught out by new rules.
Men visiting Vatican City this summer must wear t-shirts and shirts with sleeves and long trousers, while women should have their shoulders covered and wear a skirt that falls below the knee.
With temperatures at around 30 degrees in Rome, it’s tempting to just pack skimpy tops, shorts and mini-dresses, but these will all be off limits at the Vatican City and St Peter’s Square this summer.
“St Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City has always had a strict dress code in place, but this now seems to have been extended to visitors to the Square itself, which is a favourite meeting spot for locals and tourists alike,” says Sarah Findlay, Online Marketing Manager for insurewithease.com. “The new rules could catch a lot of holidaymakers out, with stories of some being forced to buy over priced long trousers and cover-ups in local shops. This shows just how important it is to do some research on your holiday destination before travelling.
“Part of going on holiday includes embracing the customs and traditions of the country you are visiting. We want to remind travellers to find out as much as they can about their holiday destination before they go. Countries in the Middle East, as well as Turkey and Malaysia have strict traditions, so find out about the most appropriate clothes to pack. We also advise travellers to check they have the right visas, jabs and medical cover for far flung places, that way they can concentrate on enjoying the trip, without any nasty surprises.
Whenever I see a picture of these female “bishops” I always have a reaction similar to Mia Farrow’s in Rosemary’s Baby when she takes a look at her baby (the devil) for the first time.
And why is it a problem for those visiting Vatican City (female *and* male) to be required to behave reasonably and to dress reasonably?
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