Vatican/Sistine Chapel/St. Peter's Basilica--Disabled

The only way to guarantee using the tour door is by taking a tour. If you have problems walking or standing for long periods of time then a tour is probably not the best solution for you. Donna

Thanks, Donna- for both replies. Now-- is it possible to go to St.Peter's Basicila separately?
As in, being dropped off close to the entrance via cab, bus etc. and avoiding long lines? Thank you!

This site may prove helpful: http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/accessible/rome/

Thanks, Michael!

A cab could drop you off on the side closest to the security screening. One possibility that often minimizes crowds (and, I think, offers a much more pleasant experience) is to get there when the basilica first opens in the morning. You could check the hours on line.

Thanks, Sherry!

Marjory, if you go onto the vatican museums page at the website vatican.va, you'll find a section on handicapped visitors, including free wheelchairs (reserved online in advance), skipping the line, a recommended tour route, etc. Here's the link: http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/z-Info/MV_Info_Servizi.html It may also be worth checking around the website (or sending an email or two)about services for disabled in the basilica. I see a note about reserving wheelchairs for visit to the Lateran; maybe there's something like that for St Peter's.

In order to skip the lines you need documented proof of a 74% disability. They don't just let you in because you tell them you have difficulties walking. I understand the issue but if you qualify be sure to bring the documentation or you will be turned away and need to wait in the regular line unless you have tickets. You can book a wheelchair in advance but again, the only way to guarantee using the "tour door" is to take a tour. Other than that you'll need to take the regular door just like everyone else. Donna

Hi Marjory, there are no guarantees in life, except mayhap the famous two, and getting into and out of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are far from standardized experiences. While you can avoid waiting with the people who did not book online outside the entrance, the walk from there to the Sistine remains for us all (unless you have an inside connection who wears red). However, there are opportunities to sit in the foyer and in some museum hallways and exhibition areas. Even if you don't get to sit, keeping strolling is not an impossibility if you time your visit right Being a tour guide that hates crowds, I usually shoot for the afternoon and have had good success with this. Once you are in the Sistine Chapel, seating is also available, although you may have to wait to get your spot along the wall. If you ask the Sistine guards or the museum custodians, sometimes they can give you some help with this. A courteous smile and a humble attitude will go a long way here. The same goes for the Basilica exit (down a lot of stairs), asking doesn't cost a thing. Try the custodian or perhaps a friendly guide waiting for their group at the back of the church. While a wheelchair is an option, it also comes with the obligation to move through the museum in a limited way to avoid stairs, making the visit a bit of a chore. In my personal experiences, having had many chair bound clients, I recommend avoiding it since you can and instead just taking it easy, maybe bringing a walking stick, folding chair. These items are handy for anybody, we all get tired at some point when seating isn't readily available. So don't fret, just be prepared, relaxed and do not rush yourself or the experience - Easy does it! ;-)

THank you so much, Marc. YOu're a doll!

Marc is correct about the afternoon. I always stay at the Alimandi hotel across the street from the entrance to the Vatican Museum, and the lines are the longest in the morning, where everyone wants to be "first." I've stayed at this hotel a half dozen times for extended periods, and the lines have always been the shortest @2pm. Most of the large tour groups meet outside @9am. further crowding the place. If you can walk with assistance, I like his idea of the folding chair, and I think I'll look into it myself. I have degenerative disc disease and two ruptured discs, and I appear to be healthy -- but the pain is at its worst
when standing. I manage to see the Vatican Museum/Sistine/St.Peters every year by going in the afternoon. And yes, if you are not staying right outside the walls, a taxi can drop you very close to the entrance to St. Peters or even the museum entrance.

Thank you, Donna!

Marc beat me to it; I was going to suggest a cane seat like this. Now, Magellan's isn't the only place to find these...I've seen covers for these, too. I own a stool like this; it has a shoulder strap built in. Mine came with a 'sac' and fits inside luggage, or strapped to the outside. Great for museums, airports, train stations (NO place to sit!), etc.

Thank you Eileen~!

Thanks, Eileen!

It's the STANDING that's a killer!