Visiting churches on vacation

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catholicanne

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Moderators, I apologize if this is in the wrong thread, I wasn’t sure where to put it.

What is the etiquette for visiting a church as a tourist? Can I take pictures of the inside of the church? What if there are people praying in the pews, should I wait to explore the church until they are done? What I show up right in the middle of adoration? Should I leave a donation somewhere?

Thanks!
 
These are some great questions, as I’m heading off soon on a road trip and was wondering the same. Looking forward to answers also. Thanks.
 
We went to Philly last year and went to look at the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul. (beautiful church, BTW) The people that were there were more than willing to give us a tour, complete with history lessons, and let us take pictures. It seems like there were a few people praying, but we just stayed quiet as we looked around and nobody seemed upset by us.
 
Taking photos is fine except if a particular church forbids it (for example because there are valuable paintings). I wouldn’t take photos during adoration, or take photos of people praying.
 
Taking photos is fine. Just don’t use a flash, especially if there are people in there. If you want to use a flash you should ask first.
 
I would ask before taking photos – most of the churches I’ve been in let me without a problem.

I will warn you if you’re going to churches in other countries – specifically Italy – be prepared to wear capri pants (or pants) They will not let you in wearing shorts or tank tops. When we were there, people were turned away or sold a paper-type jacket (like something you’d see in a doctor’s office) to cover their tank tops. I didn’t notice any of the docents rude about it – I had a tank top on but had a shirt in my bag. She just politely asked me if I had something to cover my shoulders and I said, “Oh, yes” and immediately got the shirt out of my bag – we were there in July and it was HOT. I’m not sure about other countries but it’s best to be prepared.
 
I think it’s right to give a donation when they pass the basket if you are visiting another parish. I don’t think anyone minds if you take photos of the inside of the church as long as it isn’t during Mass or Adoration. If people are in there praying, you can just look around without saying anything. Lots of historic churches have specific hours where you can go on a tour. You could check the website of the church you are visiting and ask.
 
catholicanne said:
Moderators, I apologize if this is in the wrong thread, I wasn’t sure where to put it.

What is the etiquette for visiting a church as a tourist? Can I take pictures of the inside of the church? What if there are people praying in the pews, should I wait to explore the church until they are done? What I show up right in the middle of adoration? Should I leave a donation somewhere?

Thanks!
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I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all protocol for visiting Churches.

A historic church that gets lots of visitors might have tour information and might give special instructions about what is and is not allowed.

If it’s just a parish church where you happen to attend Mass then common sense rules. As someone mentioned, it is usually fine to take pictures unless there is some sign that says otherwise. If people are praying or if adoration is going on then I would not want to disturb anyone by taking a flash photo. I would be tempted to locate someone (maybe a parishioner, perhaps a cleric) who was familiar with the church and ask about something I found particularly interesting. You might get lucky and get a tour out of it.

If I was visiting at a time where nothing was going on I might try to locate the parish office and speak to someone there.
 
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