Etiquette for St. Peter’s Basilica

It is not considered proper for lady to take the arm of a gentleman in a Catholic church… this is because any idea of its being a promenade should be discouraged.–Public domain image of a conjectural view of the Old St. Peter's Basilica by H. W. Brewer, 1891

 

When in Rome

Etiquette in Rome is very strict as to one point. It is not considered proper for lady to take the arm of a gentleman in a Catholic church. In walking about St. Peter’s, the guides mention this to the couples who innocently stroll arm in arm, looking at the statues, pictures, altars and frescoes of that wonderful interior. Perhaps this is because any idea of its being a promenade should be discouraged. – Daily Alta, 1885

 

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor of the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia