The Vatican, one of the best sites to visit in Italy for ancient history lovers, receives millions of annual visitors eager to explore its centuries-old art, history, and religious significance. If you’re planning a visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica, you probably already know about the dress code — no shorts above the knee, no sleeveless tops, no hats, etc. But there’s one banned item that catches many tourists off guard: umbrellas.
An umbrella seems like a pretty harmless (and common) thing for a tourist to be carrying. But the Vatican specifically bans medium and large umbrellas, including full-length non-folding umbrellas. The no-umbrella rule is in place to protect its valuable art collection from damage. Other banned items include food and drink, large bags and suitcases, tripods and camera stands, banners and signs, and knives, scissors, or other metal items that could be dangerous to people or the art.
The Vatican is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. But it’s also a hub for some of the world’s most priceless artifacts and valuable artworks. The Vatican Museums alone contain ancient Egyptian artifacts, art from the Renaissance period, and more — there are over 70,000 pieces in the collection, with only 20,000 actually on display. A careless swing of a long umbrella could easily scratch an ancient sculpture or damage delicate frescoes.
What to do with your umbrella at the Vatican
