One of the most stunning cities in the world is on the verge of enhanced accessibility

Venice is intensifying efforts to make the renowned Italian city more accessible.

This beautiful city, known for its canals and over 400 bridges that require climbing, has not been particularly accommodating for individuals with mobility challenges, such as those using wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. However, significant changes may be on the horizon.

Venice officials have recently committed to constructing ramps that will link some of the city's most vibrant locations, starting from Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square). This $1.6 million project will mark the first time in 1,200 years since the city's founding that it will be wheelchair accessible.

The initial phase of the project will involve installing ramps on five bridges, designed to be non-slip and quiet, starting with the Ponte de la Croze near Piazzale Roma, the city's gateway. This ramp will connect to other existing ramps, weaving through the lively Santa Croce and San Polo neighborhoods to the vaporetto (water bus) stop by San Polo church. After crossing the Grand Canal to San Samuele, the route will link Santo Stefano and Sant'Angelo squares, finishing at the Venice opera house (Teatro La Fenice).

In addition to the primary St. Mark's route, two more bridges will feature ramps: one linking Campo della Misericordia square to the vibrant nightlife area of Fondamenta della Misericordia, and another on Giudecca Island, a favored residential zone.

The lengthy process of making the city more accessible is partly due to strict regulations concerning alterations that could impact Venice's cultural heritage. Wheelchair users have had limited options, such as the accessible vaporetto, which operates only on select routes and is often crowded, and the non-electric wheelchair-accessible gondola service Gondolas4All, which is currently inactive due to funding issues.

As per reporting from CNN, the goal is to have the ramps operational within the upcoming months.