Woman warns tourists about strict Rome dress code after making big mistake
A TikToker has warned tourists to be mindful of dress codes whilst visiting Rome after she was caught out by the modesty rules.
Jacki Hodge, from Australia, took to TikTok to share the story of her fashion faux pas.
Using a photo of herself wearing a white dress, the 26-year-old explained her mistake and how it impacted her holiday in the 'Eternal City'. Have a listen:
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Hodge said: "You can’t have your shoulders out, you can’t have your boobs out, you definitely can’t have cut-outs and the dress is backless."
Although she felt she looked 'great', her dress saw her get denied entry to the Vatican, the Pantheon and the Museum of the Dead.
Hodge explained: "Some places have robes you can buy but at places like the Pantheon, they just said ‘no, get out’."
This mistake meant that Hodge had to wait outside whilst her friends explored the bucket list destinations.
To help prevent others from making her mistake, Hodge advised that visitors to Italy bring a jacket or scarf with them in case they need to cover up.
She also urged people to wear clothes that covers their knees.
Ultimately, she wanted others to 'be aware and dress appropriately' and steer clear of crop tops and short shorts.
The video has been viewed over one million times of TikTok, with many thanking Hodge for giving them a heads up.
One person commented: "I would never have thought of this, thank you!"
However, others were baffled that Hodge was unaware of the rules before she ventured out to Italy.
One viewer wrote: "I don’t get it. Do people not read up on the places they’re going to before going? Appropriate attire is such a basic thing."
Another commented: "How do people not know this?", whilst a fellow commenter said: Pretty common with a lot of religious buildings. We visited a Hindu temple in Fiji and people who weren’t covered needed to wear shawls."
The Vatican as a religious state imposes a dress code on both male and female visitors, which requires them to cover their shoulders and knees.
Hats, ripped jeans and offensive tattoos are also forbidden.
Tourists who aren't appropriately dressed upon arriving at the Vatican are given the option to wear a provided robe or poncho that covers the shoulders and knees.
In recent years, the rest of Italy has been cracking down on 'disrespectful' behaviour from tourists.
For example, in 2022, Sorrento mayor, Massimo Coppola, introduced a £425 fine for tourists who walked around the town shirtless or in bikinis.
Ben Thompson