Everyone know that there is a Duomo Dress Code and are a lot of people are worried about breaking the Duomo Florence dress code rules when visiting. In this guide we aim to demystify the rules over what to wear to the Duomo by asking your most frequently asked outfit questions and giving you some outfit inspiration.
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FAQS About The Duomo Dress Code Florence
Is there a dress code to get into Duomo, Florence?
Yes there is a dress code to get into the Duomo in Florence. Anyone who doesn’t adhere to the dress code may not be granted entry into the Duomo.
What is the Duomo dress code?
The Duomo Florence Dress Code tells you what parts of your body can or can’t be uncovered.
Generally speaking the following areas should always be covered in Italian Churches such as the Vatican and Duomo:
- Shoulders
- Knees.
Therefore when putting together your Florence Outfit for touring the Duomo you should avoid wearing
- Sleevelesss Tops this is applicable to both men and women
- Mini Skirts
- Shorts – again applicable to both men and women.
- No Sandals
Also hats are seen as disrespectful and should be removed as soon as you entering the Duomo itself however they are fine when in the queue and is something we encourage.
It is also worth noting that the Duomo Dress Code applies to both men and women. For some people people seem to think dress codes usually only apply to women but this definitely isn’t true.
Although not explicitly stated anywhere it is respectful and prudent to also avoid wearing t-shirts with graphics or slogans that would be offensive to the holy place you are in.
Where does the Duomo Dress Code Apply?
Now you know what the Firenze Duomo Dress code is the next thing to examine is where the Duomo dress code applies.
The Firenze Duomo actually consists of separate sites. These are
- The interior of the cathedral / duomo
- the bell tower
- dome
- baptistry and the
- museum
Inside the duomo itself you must keep you shoulders and knees covered and be modest in your attire.
It is advised that you also keep to this dress code in all other duomo locations.
What to wear in Piazza del Duomo
If you are just planning to visit the Piazza del Duomo and take photographs and not actually enter the buildings then there is no dress code.
However if you are going inside you must stick to the dress code. However I would advise you to have a hat and sunglasses with you for the queue in summer. Tuscany in summer gets very hot and the queue for the Duomo is long so you will want clothes that can help keep you cool. However these must be removed to enter the Duomo itself
How strict is the dress code at the Firenze Duomo?
If you are wondering how strict the dress code is at the Firenze Duomo the answer is it is very strict and it will be enforced.
I have actually seen people be turned away because they are not wearing appropriate attire. Therefore be sure that you adhere to all the dress code rules otherwise your day in Florence may be ruined.
Can I wear sandals to the Duomo?
No, both men and women can not wear sandals to the Duomo as stated on the official Firenze Duomo website.
I would instead advise you wear sneakers.
Can you wear flip flops in the Duomo?
In answer to “Can you wear flip flops in the Duomo” the answer is likely no. The Duomo official website states that sandals are not allowed but doesn’t mention flip flops.
However to be safe I would avoid flip flops and instead wear sneakers.
Can I wear sneakers to Duomo?
There are as of time of writing no rules regarding sneakers at the Duomo.
Can you wear heels to the Duomo?
You can wear heels to the Duomo as there are no rules in the Duomo dress code pertaining to footwear providing they are not sandal like.
However having said this we strongly advise NOT wearing heels in the Duomo – in fact we heels are in our what not to wear in Florence list.
There is lots of walking involved in the interior of the Duomo and the exterior of the Duomo in Florence such as the Piazza is cobbled and has lots of uneven surfaces where heels are a safety hazard.
For more information on what to shoes to wear in Florence for different seasons check out our monthly guides:
- What to wear in Florence in January
- What to wear in Florence in February
- What to wear in Florence in March
- What to wear in Florence in April
- What to wear in Florence in May
- What to wear in Florence in June
- What to wear in Florence in July
- What to wear in Florence in August
- What to wear in Florence in September
- What to wear in Florence in October
- What to wear in Florence in November
- What to wear in Florence in December
Can I wear leggings to the Duomo?
Yes you can wear leggings to the Duomo as they cover the whole of your leg, importantly the knee being covered.
However personally I prefer not to wear anything too clingy such as leggings when I go to any religious buildings in Italy.
Can you wear jeans to the Duomo?
In answer to can you wear jeans to the Duomo is yes you certainly can. Jeans that cover your knees and aren’t too low rise meet the Duomo Dress code rules.
However I personally wouldn’t wear jeans in the Duomo especially if you are visiting Florence during the Summer or shoulder seasons because of the heat.
Florence get seriously hot and you will be doing a lot of walking so jeans aren’t a practical item. However if you are visiting Florence in Winter then actually jeans are a great thing to add to your Tuscan Packing List though we would advise packing a smarter pair as Italy is a stylish place.
Also although we have said that you can wear jeans to the Duomo it is worth looking at some specific jean styles such as ripped jeans and skinny jeans as these might not be allowed – keep reading for more information.
Can you wear ripped jeans to Duomo?
Whether or not you can wear ripped jeans to the Duomo largely depends on where the rips are. If you have rips that expose your knees or your thighs then these will obviously not be allowed as it will break the number oneDuomo dress code rules about covering the knees
I personally would strongly advise against wearing ripped jeans into the Duomo in all cases
Can you wear skinny jeans to the Duomo?
Whether or not you can wear skinny jeans to the Duomo is a bit of a grey area. Modest clothing is advised and for this reason I would avoid them.
Can you wear a skirt with a slit to the Duomo?
While you can wear a skirt to the Duomo I would advise against wearing a skirt with a slit. A long Maxi skirt that adheres to the dress code it can soon be on the what not to wear to the Duomo lists if there is a slit that could reveals the knee.
To be safe we recommend not wearing any skirts with slits in so there is no doubt to if you are adhering to the Duomo dress code.
Do you have to wear pants to the Duomo? Do you have to wear trousers in the Duomo?
Pants or trousers are a great choice for the Duomo as they cover your knee.
We recommend linen trousers for the summer when it is hot as these will reduce sweat.
However you don’t have to wear pants. Skirts and dresses are also acceptable providing your knees are covered.
Do your knees need to be covered at the Duomo?
Absolutely your knees need to be constantly covered at the Duomo.
This rule applies to both men and women. For this reason a lot of men choose to wear trousers to the Duomo and a lot of women chose to wear pants or a long skirt or dress that does not have a slit that reveals their legs.
Do you have to cover your head in the Duomo?
One of the most common concerns when dressing for the Duomo is regarding head coverings. But the truth is you do not need to cover your head inside of the Duomo. In fact you have to remove hats entering the Duomo.
Can you bring a purse to the Duomo?
You can bring a purse to the Duomo but there are restrictions relating to the size that are allowed.
Can I bring a water bottle to the Duomo?
You can bring a water bottle into the Duomo however you may be asked to take a sip by security before entering.
What should you wear to the Duomo in Summer?
Plastic bottles of water are allowed in the duomo however you may be asked to drink some before entering by security.
For more information on what to wear in Rome in summer check out the below guides.
What should you wear to the Duomo in Winter?
What you wear to the Duomo in the Winter should follow the same rules as what to wear in Florence for the same season – but obviously adhering to the more conservative nature of the Duomo Dress Code rules.
Have you been to the duomo? what did you wear? Let us kow in the comments below!