... at cultural sites

General rules of behavior

• Most cultural assets are only open during the designated opening hours. Find out about them in advance.
• Please always behave respectfully towards the cultural sites, the staff and other visitors.
• Speak softly and avoid loud noises so as not to disturb the special atmosphere.
• Only use the marked paths and entrances to avoid damage to the facilities.
• Enter the cultural sites at your own risk and watch out for unevenness. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
• Follow the instructions of the employees or authorized persons.
• Filming and photography are generally permitted - unless expressly stated otherwise.

Visitor behaviour at sensitive cultural sites

• Many cultural artifacts and historic buildings are particularly delicate and should be entered with special caution. Please do not touch them to protect them from damage.
• It is forbidden to lean bicycles against cultural assets, fountains or historic buildings.
• Large backpacks, wet or pointed objects are not allowed in museums, churches, castles and palaces.
• Leaning over railings, climbing on walls and touching exhibits are prohibited.
• In museums, churches and castles and palaces, the consumption of food and drinks as well as smoking is not permitted.
• To protect the cultural assets and out of consideration for other visitors, dogs are generally not permitted - unless expressly stated otherwise. Please enquire about the respective regulations before your visit.
• Parents are responsible for their children and should supervise them. Running and pushing are not allowed. Supervisors of children's groups are asked to ensure that the children behave appropriately.
• Find out about escape routes and emergency measures. In an emergency, stay calm, leave the building quickly and go to the collection point.
• Respect private property, boundaries and fences. Entering agricultural land is prohibited.
• Dispose of garbage properly in designated containers or take it with you.

Behaviour at cultural events

• Arrive at events on time to avoid disruption to other visitors.
• Turn off mobile phones and other electronic devices or set them to silent so as not to disturb the event.
• Respect the assigned seats and do not change seats on your own.

Archaeological and cultural heritage

In Italy, archaeological and cultural assets are considered state property. This means that discoveries, even if they are made by private individuals, do not automatically become their property. Any item found must be reported within 48 hours to the competent state authorities, such as the Monuments Office, the police, the forestry department or the carabinieri.

Customs regulations

The list of goods that must be reported to customs when entering and leaving Italy is extensive. To avoid unpleasant surprises at airports or border crossings, we recommend that you inform yourself thoroughly in advance. The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency offers comprehensive information on the applicable export regulations as well as useful travel tips.

Useful information on this topic can be found here:

ADM: Travveler's Custom Card