Today, B and I went to several churches in Rome. They varied in architecture, in denomination, in decoration, and in location, but they all had one thing in common: people disrespecting their primary rule. Some allow photography and some don’t, some ask you not to go into specific portions or chapels, but all have a prominent display asking shoulders and knees to be covered. They are usually translated into multiple languages and always illustrated, showing exactly what the place of worship would like visitors to cover up.

Now, no one is forcing people to come into these churches. And we weren’t even in any of the four major ones of the city, so even peer pressure shouldn’t be much of an issue. So why would you choose to enter a place that people consider holy and then blatantly disregard what those people respect? They’re letting you in for free, though I imagine the wear and tear from many visitors is not free for them to fix. They often provide written guides and access to services, should you wish to observe. Why would you go into a place like that and flaunt your disregard for them?

Mind you, today was warm, but not particularly sweltering. And there are plenty of vendors selling scarves just outside – to say nothing of the fact that I saw some of these people with sweaters in their purses or bags! Look, it’s not a difficult rule, and it’s the same in pretty much all churches in Europe. I saw the same thing when we visited the Blue Mosque in Istanbul: an active place of worship with one rule about covering up, and people could not manage to bother.

Yes, please come gawk at the amazing artistry of the structure, but don’t forget to wear as little clothing as possible. After all, that modesty thing that the people who paid for and produced said beauty are into is just silly, right? Funny story, bro.