Welcome to Vatican

Sistine Chapel Disabled Access at the Vatican – Visiting Vatican City in a wheelchair consists of two parts:

1 – Visiting the Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms, and Sistine Chapel
2 – Visiting the St. Peter’s Basilica

The two parts are not connected by step-free access so wheelchair users will need to take a 0.6 mile (1.0 km) external route along a sidewalk to get between the two. The route is downhill going from the Vatican Museums to St. Peter’s Basilica. Consequently accessible Sistine Chapel visits should occur before visiting St. Peter’s Basilica. Both areas are generally less crowded in the afternoons than in the mornings.

The Vatican Museums have a ramp at the entrance and elevators to get between the floors. The normal visitor’s route involves a few flights of stairs, and disabled visitors are allowed to go backwards along parts of the tour route and through roped off areas to avoid the steps.

The official policy is that Vatican Sistine Chapel visitors with disabilities are free only if they present documentation of their disability. (In many European countries people are issued documents from the federal government describing the percent of their disability.) In actuality visitors with visible disabilities (such as using a wheelchair) and their companion are usually given free admission. Rental wheelchairs are available in the lobby. Sistine Chapel handicapped accessible guided tours can be booked in advance.

St Peter’s Square and Basilica
The great St Peter’s Square is open to all and is comfortable for wheelchair users. Access to the Basilica is to the right of the colonnade when looking from the front. Here is a ramp and accessible services.

Once inside, the entire visit can be done without any problems, even to the grottoes. Where wheelchair users cannot access is the Necropolis and the upper part of the dome (the base can be accessed).

Papal Audiences
In the crowded audiences on Wednesdays in St Peter’s, there is a special space for wheelchair users and companions. You can get a ticket from your parish or through online booking service.

They can also be obtained in person from the Office found in the west wing of the Vatican. The access area is watched by the Swiss Guard and you should indicate to them that you want “biglietti per il Papa”. The office is easily accessible.