13 replies to this topic

[Rockupandroll]

Hi all,

I'm going to Rome for four days next month and have read various different reviews on how wheelchair friendly it is. Has anyone got any tips about getting around Rome and where is good to go?

Thanks

Rockupandroll

[dsindc]

[quote name='Rockupandroll' post='149388' date='Feb 14 2010, 10:20 AM']Hi all,

I'm going to Rome for four days next month and have read various different reviews on how wheelchair friendly it is. Has anyone got any tips about getting around Rome and where is good to go?

Thanks

Rockupandroll


WOW lucky you!!!!!!!
I lived in Rome for 6 years. I've been dreaming of it since I left 1 and a half yrs ago.
Currently, the SCI is keeping me from going. Maybe with a better set of wheels, I'll make it someday.

If you can deal with the cobblestones, then do venture into the Trastevere neighborhood and visit the beautiful Santa Maria in Trastevere piazza. Great eating around there, too. If you want to try basic but DELICIOUS local food and brutally brusque Roman servers (thats how you know the place is authentic), find Augusto. Ask the locals in Trastevere neighborhood to find it. It's quite hidden. Again, beware, treacherous cobblestones in that area. Mmmmm...a plate of Amatriciana with fresh pecorino....I almost taste it.

Also you will LOVE the parks. Highly accessible. Villa Borghese, Villa Pamphili to name a few.

PM me for more. Do post photos when you return?

[jenny407]

Hi,

I also say: "Lucky you!" What a beautiful city! I spent a wonderful week there with friends last October. We found, however, that especially the old city centre is perhaps not very wheelchair-friendly (due to cobblestones and cramped streets), but it can most certainly be done. Trastevere is in fact also one of my favourites, and the parks. I also loved the Colosseum, but don't know about accessibility. The streets around the Pantheon are lovely - many tourists, okay, but also very nice restaurants, bars, and beautiful old buildungs. Campo de' Fiori (the flower market) is pretty, so is Piazza Navona (do not go to a restaurant there, however, but into the side streets!). Enjoy your stay!! (Greetings to one of the world's super class cities from me ...)

Jenny

[dangerousdave]

Sorry to say that when I was in Rome to visit that fine ancient city - I was a walker
You will face obstructions, but with a positive mind, you can make em small obstructions
So I have to leave it to others to advise - though I will say this
Just wait till you cross the roads on a zebra crossing - it's a education in itself
Don't wait for a gap - they don't come
Wheel out and the first car will stop - but only him
Then the next car, then the next, as others zoom by in front and behind
Pasta and fish meals are great but don't expect much in the way of pitzza
Flat dough with a brushed paste. I'm spoilt by all our topings and deep pan, cheesy crust etc
Ancient Rome will be all around you - modern Rome is built into it
I saw ancient temples with massive bronze doors used as warehouses
A Circus turned into a department store
Old stone buildings built upon
Can't quite remeber where (panthelon) but if you see it - a street where all the religous clothing and ichonory is sold is a sight to behold - and I'm not religous

I think I'm a little jealous

LOL

Edited by dangerousdave, 15 February 2010 - 11:11 AM.

[Rockupandroll]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the tips. There are some great ideas here and I'm particularly taken with the idea of going to the parks, I hadn't thought of that. I'll be writing about my visit and posting photos on my blog so hopefully I'll be able to show some photos of your suggestions.

Thanks

Rockupandroll

[Rockupandroll]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to let you know that I had an amazing time in Rome and loved every minute of it. What a breathtaking, beautiful city. As I've said I would on previous posts I've written a blog on my experiences and you can read it and see photos here http://www.rockupand...a-roman-holiday.

Your tips about going to the parks, The Panatheon and the Piazza Navano where great and thanks so much for suggesting those.

Rockupandroll

[jenny407]

Great to hear you liked it! Yes, Rome is fantastic. Did you have the "world's best espresso" at the Taza d'Oro (near the Pantheon)? A very crowded little place (not very accessible - have the espresso in front), and the "best" espresso is awfully expensive, but still ... I hope the weather was fine. I'll look at your blog.

Jenny

Edited by jenny407, 28 March 2010 - 11:32 AM.

[dangerousdave]

Glad to hear you had a great time, even if it was a bumpy stone trip
Nice to know they have a lift at the coloseum
Did you see where Big Julie had his knife attack...trick question...it's down some steps

[Scribbler]

Thanks for posting a Blog on your trip to Rome. I'm pleased you enjoyed it; even the cobbles..

[Rockupandroll]

Thanks for the last three posts about the blog. Glad you enjoyed it and it sounds like I'm not the only one who has had an issue with cobbles! If you've not been I urge you to go, getting past the cobbles will be worth it.

Rockupandroll

[chickadee]

I wish I'd seen this - I've been to Rome quite a few times, and went back last November (along with Amsterdam/Holland). I loved your blog posting, and I was surprised to hear/learn a few new things!

There's a great McD's down the hill from Villa Borghese, and it's awesome just to be inside - very posh, very Roman.

If you're a manual wheeler, plan on bulking up arms for popping over sharp curbs. And you're totally right about cobblestones - I swapped out my front casters to larger wheels just to make sure they wouldn't get caught inbetween the cobblestones. I very much wished I went with someone, because I got tired so quickly.

Whenever I go, I stay on Flemming Hill (Via Flamenia, I think), and there are quite a few very nice hotels there. However, I also rented a car (and was daring enough to drive!), so that makes quite a difference.

A fantastic area to head towards to get a feel of Italian life and buzz is the rebuilt area near the Olympic Park/Stadium. There's great bookshops there, cafes, I think there's an ampitheater with concerts there, and everything is relatively flat. Which is a blessing for a city built between hills.

Sistene Chapel, if I remember correctly, is accessible, and very much worth it. I went while able-bodied, but it's huge and flat. And gorgeous.

If you can, fly into Fiumicino (Main Airport) versus Ciampino, as there's more service there. I was treated like a rock star there, and it's not as grotty as the budget airport.

But trust me on this - if you have to do any real 'work' in Italy, or have to deal with the bureaucracy that they love, prepare for a battle. An uphill, cobblestoned battle. If you're planning on visiting friends or family there - make absolute sure you can get into their flats.

[Oldsparkie]

Rockupandroll, on Mar 28 2010, 09:00 AM, said:

Hi guys,

I've written a blog on my experiences and you can read it

Hi There

I really enjoyed you blog thanks. Last time I was in Rome I was AB and even then it's not the easiest place in the world to negotiate. Sounds like you did wonders in four days.

No excuse not to come downunder now!!!!

Sparkie

[Wheelchair Traveler]

You should certainly check out this flat to rent in Rome, Italy. Here is a link to photos and more information. The guy who owns it is super nice. I am actually going there this November. I can't wait!!!

When are you going?

[McTavish]

I'm off on a cruise soon and will be stopping in Rome so it is good to be aware of what to expect re cobbles etc.