Written by Jon Fletcher, Wheelie Jon’s Blog, July 16, 2023
Rome is a popular tourist destination that appeals to travellers with a wide range of interests from those who visit the Eternal City for its many churches and the Vatican, to those who come to shop in ssome of the most fashionable stores for that one garment that will wow their friends to those who love art, architecture and the antiquities that are around every corner or those who want to experience the city’s cuisine. So it is not surprising then that the city also attracts many disabled visitors too.
City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
Over the years exploring Europe I have often used this company for my go to way of seeing a city and getting around all the essential sights and Rome is no exception. Most of the buses this company uses have at least one wheelchair space and ramps. However just like public transport if the space is taken, then you will need to wait for the next bus. I have often found that the drivers are really helpful and try and get you on the next available bus.
My top tip when taking a Hop on Hop off bus tour is do a complete circuit the first time around. This will help you decide which sights really interest you and help you plan the rest of your day. You will also often find that your ticket gets you discounts on admission to attractions, and also in bars and restaurants and in some shops.
The Coliseum
One of the most iconic sites of Rome has to be the Coliseum. It was built by the Emperor Vespasian between 72 AD and 80 AD on the site of Nero’s Palace. It was mostly used for Gladiatorial contests, which is why there was an intricate network of tunnels and trap doors. Today the Coliseum is very popular with tourists and it can be very busy. My advice is try and get there early in the morning to beat the crowds.
The Coliseum does have accessible entrances and there are elevators that make it possible for wheelchair users to explore parts of the Colisseum.
Disabled visitors and a companion can claim free admission.
Vatican City
Vatican City in the heart of Rome is the world’s smallest state. It is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also the home of the Pope and the Basilica of St Peter. The Basilica is one of the largest cathedrals in the world and is a fine example of Renaissance Architecture and contains some of the finest examples of Renaissance art including Michaelangelo’s Pieta. Also, within the Vatican City it is worth visiting Sistine Chapel with it’s frecoes by Michaelangelo and the Vatican Museums.
Both the Basilica and the Vatican Museums have entrances with ramps and elevators. You can also access the Sistine Chapel by using a lift.
Admission to the Basilica and the Vatican Museums are free for disabled visitors and a companion.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the beating heart of Imperial Rome. It was the centre of political, religious and commercial activity in the city for a thousand years. It is in close proximity to the Coliseum. There is a lot to see here and this is where the most important buildings of both the city and the empire were to be found. So there is plenty to see, including, The Temple of Saturn, The Temple of Vesta (home to the Vestal Virgins), The arch of Septimus and The Senate. The forum was also home to a bustling Market.
The Forum has accessible, step free routes and pathways and ramps. So disabled visitors can enjoy exploring the site.
Disabled visitors and a companion can enjoy free admission to The Forum.
The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is possibly one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is a wonderful Baroque fantasy in stone, with characters from Mythology such as Neptune and Tritons. It was designed by the 18th Century Architect Salvi , though it was completed in 1762 by Bracci. The fountain’s water source is an ancient Roman aqueduct called the Aqua Virgo. But today it is probably best known for its appearance in the film Dolce Vita with Anita Ekberg wading through it and from the song 3 coins in a fountain. While the fountain is not fully accessible to get up close, it can be viewed from a distance. My tip is, there are some lovely geleaterias in the square, grab yourself a delicious gelato and enjoy the spectacle from a safe distance.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon, also known as the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres is probably one of the most complete ancient buildings in Rome. Originally the building was built by the Emperor Hadrian as a Roman Temple for the worship of all the Pagan Roman Gods in the 2nd Century AD, and it became a church when Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. The dome of the Pantheon is the largest unsupported and unreinforced concrete dome in the world. It is believed the reason for its strength is that the concrete was made from Tufa, a volcanic mineral. The church is a burial site for prominent individuals such as the artist Raphael and the first kings of the unified Italy Victcor Emanuel and Umberto.
The Pantheon is accessible with ramps and an accessible entrance.
The Trastevere Neighbourhood.
For a slice of real Roman life the place to head to is the Trastevere neighbourhood. The area offers the disabled visitor the chance to explore relatively accessible streets, charming picturesque alleys and there are some of the best neighbourhood restaurants and bars in the city, giving you a a great opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere and relax.
While some parts of Rome can prove challenging for anyone in a wheelchair, with a bit of planning there is plenty for the Disabled visitor to Rome.