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Disabled Travel Guide
Attractions
St Peters Cathedral - Rome
St Peters Cathedral - Rome
Added by sean gorman
July 30, 2011
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Reviewed by sean gorman July 30, 2011
To get into St. Peter's, enter the Bernini Colonnade at the end farthest from the cathedral and on the right (as you face the cathedral). This is the only place where the colonnade is ramped. About half way through the colonnade, on your right side, are accessible restrooms. The wheelchair elevator that takes you into St. Peter's is on the right hand side of the basilica as you face the facade, by the cloakrooms.
You'll know you are going the right way when you see the beehive fountain. This water is potable and the fountain accessible so you can stop and get a drink. The water in Rome's drinking fountains is wonderful; totally safe and very tasty. Bring a water bottle for filling.
You are subjected to airport-type security as you enter St. Peter's. Once you have taken the elevator to the front of the basilica you still have to go all the way across the facade to the ramp that goes into the basilica.
The following areas are definitely worth a viewing.
• The scavi (excavations) are not accessible. They are under the main altar and lead down to the Tomb of St. Peter. Touring it is the equivalent of spelunking; low narrow passages and steps. Reserve through the Vatican (see Resources).
• The wheelchair visitor can visit the Tombs of the Popes (not the same thing as the scavi as described above). Reserve through the Vatican, as you do for the Scavi Tour. When you make reservations, inform the Vatican that you are a wheelchair visitor. You also need to apply to the Vigilanza della Citta del Vaticano (06-69883023) for access to the alternative wheelchair entrance. Enter the tombs at the Largo Braschi; three steps. Exit the same way as everyone else (exit is extremely difficult).
• The Michaelangelo Pieta is to the right as you enter the basilica and is behind glass and a guardrail. Due to the press of tourists around the statue, it is almost impossible for a disabled person to view the Pieta up close. You can ask one of the guards (the people in blue blazers with walkie-talkies) and they MIGHT help clear a path for you.
• The Museo Tesoro (Treasury Museum) inside St. Peter's is 100% accessible (a few tight turns) with displays of over a thousand years worth of religious artifacts.
• There is an elevator to the base of the dome. The "rim" is accessible to anyone in a wheelchair (one small negotiable step). You can overlook the interior of the cathedral and there is an accessible restroom here. At the platform where the elevator exits is the base of the stairs that climb to the very top of the dome (not accessible for a wheelchair).