While traveling in Spain and Malta these last weeks, Etiquetteer has observed quite a few instructions to tourists about how to conduct themselves with Perfect Propriety, especially in houses of worship. So here’s a survey in photographs and commentary of Just What’s What.
Most signage involves both proper dress and respectful behavior, e.g. silence.
At the tiny Chapelle Saint Pierre in Villefranche, uniquely decorated by Jean Cocteau. “This is the house of God. Silence helps to pray. Proper attire is required.”
In the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, in Gharb, on the island of Gozo.
Also at Ta’ Pinu. Dress code enforcement was non-existent here, but ladies with bare shoulders voluntarily used the paper shawls provided at the entrance.
A second group has to do with protecting fragile artwork, collections, and buildings. It’s really sad that it’s even necessary to post some of these signs, but then Etiquetteer has never forgotten the elderly lady (a friend of Etiquetteer’s grandmother) who just sat down on an ancient Chinese tombstone inside the Boston Museum of Fine Arts because she wanted to sit down. No dear, that is not Perfectly Proper! She was definitely old enough to know better, too.
At the Museu Picasso, Barcelona. Etiquetteer has rarely seen the Why of “Don’t touch” explained so well.
At the Cittadella, Victoria, Gozo. The limestone walls of this exceedingly old fortress are easily marked. Centuries-old graffiti here may be studied for what life was like in the Cittadella long ago, but you will not be given a chance to impress the archeologists of the future.
At St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta. Who knew, stiletto heels are dangerous for for the polychrome marble floors of this uniquely over-the-top baroque church.
Finally, there are warning signs to keep us, and others, safe. No use falling to a violent death just to get the perfect selfie.
On a parapet in Mdina, Malta. “Danger: Sheer drop with no edge protection. It is prohibited to sit or stand on the bastion.” No one should have to be told this twice.
But the Colosseum in Rome takes the prize for most comprehensive list of instructions. One can only imagine what they’ve been through to have had to spell out that you can’t “write on the walls, enter with masks and costumes, exhibit banners, flags, standards,” etc. Those looking to reenact a gladitorial combat will have to do so among consenting adults in the privacy of their own homes.
Etiquetteer wishes you safe and Perfectly Proper travels!
Etiquetteer outside La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona — where the dress code was not enforced.