Church Etiquette: How to Visit Europe’s Sacred Monuments
December 19, 2009 | Sara Harding
The beautiful Berliner Dom
One thing we all love about Europe is the long and beautiful history of its architecture. American tourists, coming from a country where 200 years old counts as historic, are enthralled by the carved marble, pointed spires, gargoyles, and stained glass that make a walk through one of Europe’s cities such a distinctive experience. Of course, all kinds of architectural goodies are concentrated in Europe’s churches, making them prime tourist destinations. Churches are often home to great works of art as well – you’ll have to head to St. Peter’s Basilica if you want to see Michelangelo’s Pieta. Before you go charging off into the nearest cathedral, however, there are some points of etiquette you ought to know.
1.) Dress appropriately. Some churches enforce this rule and others let it slide, but you may be denied entry if you aren’t sufficiently covered. In general, this means no shorts and no tank tops. Wear a shirt with sleeves and long pants or a skirt that falls to the knees. I know from personal experience that the Vatican enforces its dress code very strictly. You will be allowed past security even if you aren’t properly dressed, but you won’t be allowed into St. Peter’s. Instead, you’ll be directed to a shop where you’ll pay an exorbitant fee for a cheap scarf to cover your bare shoulders. Be prepared and carry a scarf in your bag if you’re walking around all day and want to wear something sleeveless.
Orthodox churches often have stricter dress codes than Catholic and Protestant churches. You may be expected to wear sleeves that fall to your elbows or wrists, and both skirts and pants should cover your ankles.
2.) Try not to visit the church during services unless you have a sincere interest in the services themselves. Most churches will post the hours of their services, so just avoid these times and be prepared to be denied entry if you do attempt to go in. If you do have an interest in attending services, know in advance the extent to which you are permitted to participate given the nature of your own beliefs.
Some churches don’t mind tourists visiting while services are being performed. If you find yourself in the middle of something, try to be unobtrusive and quiet while you check out the architectural details.
3.) Be quiet in general. It doesn’t matter if the church is a millennium old – somewhere in a corner there’s a ya-ya who’s been praying in that church since she was five years old and she will appreciate your respect.
4.) Make a small donation when you leave. Believer or non-believer, remember that seeing the same stuff in a museum would have cost you ten euros. Many of the smaller churches are under-funded and preserving the art and architecture for future generations takes money – one of the saddest sights I’ve encountered during my student travels was a 13th century church where half the beams had collapsed and there was mold growing on the walls. Even fifty cents will help with the church’s upkeep.
