VENICE TO BECOME WHEELCHAIR-FRIENDLY

It’s a city like no other and home to some of the most famous and beautiful landmarks in the world. To many, it’s a dream come true, to those in wheelchairs it’s an absolute nightmare.

Considering the city of Venice has 403 bridges, countless canals and stunning cobbled streets, it’s easy to grasp why people with disabilities are often very negative when it comes to exploring this Italian city.

CNN reports that Venice authorities have vowed to make the city’s main sights accessible to all, with a wheelchair-friendly route from the city’s main entry point to the iconic St. Mark’s Square.

Venice was founded in 421CE and has never been wheelchair-friendly so this is a big task at hand for those involved. Authorities and those in charge of heritage preservation must navigate their differences and make it work for the greater good.

Francesca Zaccariotto, councillor for public works, told CNN that the aim was “to build at least one route that permits people of all ages to go at least from Piazzale Rome (the gateway to the Italian mainland) to St. Mark’s without barriers.”

This change is not only a win for those in wheelchairs, but also for other people with disabilities. The new route has been widened so that blind people will also be able to do it.

Image credit: Love Moxie