Rome: Italy is pioneering innovative approaches to make its rich cultural heritage accessible to blind and visually impaired individuals, offering them the opportunity to experience iconic landmarks and artworks through touch and sound rather than sight. On a recent evening, as tourists vacated Rome’s Colosseum, a specially organized tour for individuals with limited or no vision took place. Participants listened intently and used their hands to grasp the monument’s form and history.
According to United News of Bangladesh, 54-year-old Michela Marcato, blind since birth, was among the attendees. As the tour guide narrated, she explored a tactile model of the Colosseum, discovering its oval shape through touch, a realization that eluded her when merely walking around the structure.
Italy has long faced challenges in making its tourist sites accessible to people with disabilities. However, since 2021, the country has intensified efforts to improve access using European Union recovery funds. This initiative includes removing physical barriers and enhancing visitor experiences to be more inclusive. At Pompeii, innovations such as braille signs, audio guides, tactile models, and raised replicas of artifacts have been introduced to aid blind visitors in exploring the ancient ruins. Florence has also published comprehensive guides outlining accessible routes and museums, along with necessary assistance information.
Experts highlight that inclusive tourism is not just a matter of rights but also economic viability. The World Tourism Organization notes that many older travelers have disabilities and often travel with companions. Giorgio Guardi, a tour guide who specializes in accessible tours in Rome, emphasizes creating meaningful experiences for all. His tours often occur at night to minimize noise and crowds. When direct contact with monuments is not feasible, guides employ creative techniques, such as having visitors mimic the pose of a famous statue to understand its form and emotion.
Italy is also home to the Museo Omero in Ancona, the nation’s sole publicly funded tactile museum, where visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with the artworks. Founded by two blind art enthusiasts, the museum showcases replicas of renowned sculptures and contemporary works by blind artists.
For Marcato, the essence of art lies in memory and sensation. Although she cannot visually perceive a large painting of the sea in her home, it evokes memories of ocean sounds, scents, and seaside strolls. “It’s a way of feeling art,” she expressed, “that has nothing to do with seeing.”