Tyler and I loved Rome! We wanted to see Rome, Italy because of the things we had learned about Roman history. We wanted to actually see the Colosseum where the Roman gladiators fought and walk where Julius Caesar ruled. It was much more fun and more fascinating than we could have expected! Rome is a bit challenging when it comes to navigating a wheelchair through the city. There are lots of cobblestone roads and curbs without a flat transition to the streets. But it was well worth the effort to travel with and have these cool experiences with my brother.

The Colosseum

This is the number one place Tyler and I wanted to see in Rome. The Colosseum is an ancient sports arena. We chose an audio headset tour to be guided through the Colosseum. Tyler and I loved the stories about the ancient gladiator games that happened there. Did you know they fought to the death?!!

The Colosseum is completely wheelchair accessible.  When you enter the Colosseum, skip the line and head straight to the ticket counter. People in wheelchairs and one other person assisting them to pay no entrance fee. The elevator is located down the main corridor to the left of the ticket counter past where you purchase the audio headset. Which, by the way, is €5.50. We went to the Colosseum around 5:00 pm. It was a perfect time to visit! The crowds were almost gone, the heat was subsiding and we were easily able to get up close and see each point the audio tour suggested. The cobblestone streets surrounding the Colosseum are a little bumpy, however.

Pantheon

The pantheon is the oldest building in Rome.  There is a hole at the very top of the building. My dad told me that the hole held all of the weight of the building and it could not fall down because of that hole. Because there was no modern equipment the workers added dirt around the outside of the pantheon so they could get the building materials up high as they built it.  Every day the workers would scatter money in the dirt. When the pantheon was done being built, there was dirt surrounding every inch of it. So, the people of Rome were invited to take the dirt and any money that they found inside the dirt, they could keep!! Cool huh!!

Wheelchair Accessibility: Other than a couple of steps to get into the building, The pantheon is completely accessible to a wheelchair.

 

Vatican and Sistine Chapel

Touring The Vatican and seeing the Sistine Chapel. Vatican City is where the Pope lives and is the head of the Catholic Church. We took a guided tour. The tour guide taught us all about history and art. Michelangelo’s greatest work can be found inside the Sistine Chapel. Did you know that he did not lie on his back to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling? We saw a letter he wrote with a sketch of him standing up while painting the ceiling.

Wheelchair Accessibility: There is a wheelchair lane to get to the front of the line.  People in wheelchairs and one other person assisting them to pay no entrance fee.  We booked a tour in advance which is a great way to see the Vatican Museum!! Once inside the lobby, there is an elevator to get to where you are going. There are also great wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Once on the tour, there are elevators to get you where you need to go. There are a few rooms, however, you will miss them due to logistics. The tour ends in the Sistine Chapel. Our tour guide said that there are “a few” steps to get from the Chapel to the Basilica. NOT TRUE! It is nearly impossible to get from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica unless you have a really strong person to lift you down the 75+ steps.

The Roman Forum

I loved being where ancient Romans used to walk. Julius Caesar ruled there and is even buried there. Even today they are excavating and finding new Roman buildings artifacts that have never been seen before. Also, your ticket into the Colosseum is your ticket into the Forum. You don’t have to pay two different times.

Wheelchair Accessibility. The large cobblestones getting up to the Forum are treturous!  The Forum has a wheelchair lift when you get inside but the Forum, truly, is only 10% accessible. Tyler sat under a tree in the shade with grandpa and his iPod while we quickly explored.

 

Saint Peter’s Basilica

This is a large Catholic Church. It actually is the biggest church I have ever seen. Big is an understatement it is gigantic and everyone should see it sometime in their life! You have to be very quiet when you are inside. They also made us take off our hats. There are lots of pictures and statues of Jesus.  We got to take an elevator to go to the roof. My grandma and grandpa stayed there with Tyler while my mom, dad, and I walked over 300 steps to get to the top. The steps actually started to curve because we were climbing the inside of the dome. The view from the top of the dome was AMAZING. I could see all of Rome!

Wheelchair Accessibility: On the right of St. Peter’s square is a line to get through security and into the basilica. Skip the line and go strait to the wheelchair entrance. They will take you through security without waiting. From there, go all way down the corridor to the door on the far left. There is a ramp to get into the Basilica. Once inside it is completely accessible. If you are so inclined to go up to the top for a better view, do it!!! But, know that wheelchairs are only able to go to the roof, (free of charge) Stairs are the only access to get to the top of the dome. The roof of the Basilica has lots of shade, a nice breeze, and large wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

 

Spanish Steps

My mom, grandma, and I climbed to the top of the Spanish Steps.  The Spanish steps have over 200 steps from top to bottom. Even though Tyler was not able to climb the steps, it was still fun for him to be there and see this beautiful site. It was also fun to fill up our water bottles in the fountain at the foot of the steps. Rome is very famous for its clean fountain water!

Wheelchair Accessibility: Obviously, because The Spanish Steps are steps they are not accessible. But the Piazza and Fountain at the foot of the steps are wonderful and a definite must-see!

 

Street Performers and Souvenir  Shopping

I bought a sword in Rome and it was an exact replica of a real roman sword. The name of the shop I bought the sword from was called ARKEOS, it is very close to the Forum. It is on Via IV November next to the sandwich shop Subway. ARKEOS also has roman Jewelry and roman armor. Tyler and I had a blast there! Also, It was so fun to watch the street artists create their paintings right there on the sidewalks of Rome. There were also performers that had live animals, like birds. Some of the birds sat on our shoulders. I’m glad we had time to stop and watch.

 

Italian Food and Dessert

Almost every night I ordered marguerite pizza and Tyler ordered the spaghetti carbonara. Nothing beats Italian food. It’s fun to sit in a sidewalk cafe and people watch as you enjoy your meal.

We had gelato every night that we were in Italy. I liked the oreo flavor and Tyler’s favorite was Starchialla or chocolate chip. We would eat our gelato and walk around the streets of Rome at night when it was cool. It’s the best time of the day!

Avatar photo Thomas and Tyler, Edited by Mom and Dad (3 Posts)

I started this blog and Instagram page, Me My Brother and His Chair, because my older brother, Tyler is in a wheelchair. Tyler was born with a lot of medical problems. I have watched as he has struggled, with living a life that is different than mine, yet he always has a way of being strong brave and happy. Tyler is my hero and I love having him as my brother. Even though he's in a wheelchair we still love to have adventures together and I want to show everyone that even through the biggest challenges you can still have a beautiful life full of adventure.


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