Camera bags- allowed in Italian tourist sites?

[Early Riser]

I'm going to head to italy soon and I was curious as to the ability to bring camera bags or backpacks into churches, museums etc. I figure that in Rome at sites like the vatican I won't even try. However in places like the Uffizi in Firenze can I bring a back pack? Do I have to check it and if so is the baggage check usually safe and secure?

When touring the country side and stopping at smaller churches or more local sights is it going to be a problem taking a camera backpack? The areas include the Italian Riveria (Portofino) and Tuscany. Thanks.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I forget what I did about the Uffizi, but I think I left my cameras in my hotel room for that excursion. I had no problems bringing them into anything else in Florence, from the Duomo to the Bargello to the Palazzo Vecchio. Portofino and the Cinqueterre was no problem either.

 

[No Digital]

quote.
I don't know in Uffizi, I've never been there, but in Riviera you won't have problems.

 

[Síle]

In the Ufizzi have a "Cloakroom" where you must leave bags, coats etc.. it's very safe and well guarded with plenty staff members on duty.
"Cloakroom: Near the entrance. Visitors must hand in umbrellas, large bags and backpacks. There is no charge."
Check out :- http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/english/musei/uffizi/Default.asp for more information...
In the Vatican and San Pietro they don't allow camera's with flash photography at all, as it damages the artwork. To be honest though, most people do take pictures while in there, but be warned, they do have plenty of burly guards on duty..
The smaller towns and villages near Firenze should be fine! Good luck and enjoy your trip... It truly is a most beautiful place.

Síle

 

[Prospero]

I have found that I have been allowed into many places in Italy with a huge great Nature Trekker on my back. The few places that don't allow it generally have a properly-run and guarded cloakroom.

Over the years I have been visiting Italy I have noticed a sad tightening on restrictions on taking photographs in historic places. Most of them used to say "no flash photography" but now there is a tendency to ban all photography, presumably because of the number of morons who can't be bothered to work out how to turn their flash off and take pictures anyway.

Many places also ban tripods, for obvious reasons.

 

[Early Riser]

Thanks all for the info!

 

[airgunr]

There were only a couple of places I wasn't allowed to bring my camera bag. Surprisingly the Vatican wasn't one that banned them.

 

[ijsbeer]

Hi Early Riser
Been in November last year to Rome. No problems to take my bag with camera equipment to the vatican and the colloseum. The police wil check your bag just like an average airport scanner. So ask for hand check your film if you'r concerned about this. No problems taking pictures.

hope this helps a bit.

Cheers,

ijsbeer