American Visitor Etiquette for European Cathedral Travel

European cathedral travel is a growing trend among religious and secular travelers alike. Historic artifacts, antiques and amazing locales make these houses of worship prime destinations. Much-needed visitor etiquette offers a bit of cathedral prep in the hopes of avoiding the perpetuation of the "ugly American" stigma. Having visited the cathedrals of Germany, Spain, France and Italy, I can attest to the ease with which tourists -- frequently Americans -- can be picked out of the crowd. Travel like an insider and become a representative for cultured American tourists abroad.

Understand the function of the cathedral

In addition to housing numerous works of art, religious relics and antique glass art, a cathedral is frequently the home of a thriving congregation. This differentiates cathedral travel from museum tourism. Even though cathedral tourists have to pay for access to some or all of the architecture and exhibits, they are guests of the congregation, not paid visitors to a show. As such, it pays to know that there are house rules in place that must be observed.

Visitor etiquette 101: Dress the part

Having seen plenty of American tourists in garish Hawaiian shirts at the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris, as well as copious camera-toting folks storming into the Kolner Dom to finish the tour before dinner, a bit of cathedral prep is in order.

* See-through dresses, revealing clothes, t-shirts with obscene sayings and shorts are generally inappropriate for a visit to a European cathedral.

* Men must remove caps or hats when entering. When visiting orthodox cathedrals, women should wear scarves over their hair.

* Avoid wearing hard-heeled shoes; the echo in cathedrals is phenomenal.

Cathedral prep for service attendance

Congregations welcome you to join them during mass. One of the highlights of cathedral travel is the participation in the rituals of the faith and an up-close observation of the pageantry that is part and parcel of these rituals. Yet even here are boundaries that you must observe.

* Visitor etiquette demands that you venerate the icons of an orthodox cathedral as you enter. Kissing the icon is common, but doing so on the icon's face is a serious faux pas. Instead, kiss the foot or hand. If your faith prohibits you from venerating icons, a contemplative bow or nod will suffice.

* Participation in the Holy Communion is for members of the faith only. Religious participants in cathedral travel must remember that partaking in an orthodox communion during the Divine Liturgy is only appropriate for baptized Orthodox Christians. Other branches of Christianity have similar rules. Unless you are a member of this particular branch of the faith, sit out the sacrament.

* Do not take photos, talk on the phone, let junior play video games or stay in service with a crying infant.

Last minute cathedral prep for American tourists

Visitor etiquette -- although oftentimes unwritten -- discourages gum-chewing and eating while inside the cathedral. Travel suggestions might hint at great places right outside the building where one might enjoy a snack or finish a treat. Case in point is Finland's Turku Cathedral, which clearly spells out for children that food belongs outside the building -- the same holds true for adults. Speak in hushed tones only; acoustics in cathedrals carry the sound to the farthest corners.

Establishment information:

Turku Cathedral

Eerikinkatu 3 A PL 922 (20101 Turku)

Hours vary from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in winter and until 8 p.m. in summer

Phone +3582 261 7111