Q&A: A Question About Idolatry
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
A Question About Idolatry
Question
Hello Rabbi, I’m traveling in Italy, and there are many places that are beautiful from an artistic standpoint, but they involve a problem of idolatry. I’d be glad to know, in general, what the parameters are on this issue, and specifically whether it is permitted to visit churches and cathedrals, and whether there is a difference if they are no longer used as places of worship but rather more as museums. Thank you!
Answer
It is forbidden to enter churches and places of idolatry. If they function as museums for matters unrelated to idolatry, then it is permitted.