Situated about 80 kilometers northwest of Italy's capital city Rome, Civitavecchia, translated as 'old town', is a busy ferry, cruise and cargo port serving the Rome area and the middle of Italy. There is a excellent rail link from Civitavecchia to the center of Rome, with services every 30 minutes, and a journey time of about 70 to 80 minutes.
The Roman Emperor Trajan established the Port of Civitavecchia in the early part of the second Century, giving it the name Centumcellae. Even today, ruins of the original Port, which stand inside the modern port facility, can still be seen. At the end of the fifteenth Century, Civitavecchia port was vulnerable to attack by pirates. Pope Julius II instigated the construction of a massive castle to protect the harbor. The works were completed by Michelangelo in 1537. In the 19th century the Port of Civitavecchia was connected to Rome by a railway. World War II brought destruction to nearly three-quarters of the Port. The rebuilding extended the Port beyond its previous area.
Nowadays Civitavecchia caters for over two thousand cruise ship and ferry movements per year, for nearly two million passengers, making it one of the busiest Mediterranean ports.
The Roman Emperor Trajan established the Port of Civitavecchia in the early part of the second Century, giving it the name Centumcellae. Even today, ruins of the original Port, which stand inside the modern port facility, can still be seen. At the end of the fifteenth Century, Civitavecchia port was vulnerable to attack by pirates. Pope Julius II instigated the construction of a massive castle to protect the harbor. The works were completed by Michelangelo in 1537. In the 19th century the Port of Civitavecchia was connected to Rome by a railway. World War II brought destruction to nearly three-quarters of the Port. The rebuilding extended the Port beyond its previous area.
Nowadays Civitavecchia caters for over two thousand cruise ship and ferry movements per year, for nearly two million passengers, making it one of the busiest Mediterranean ports.
Civitavecchia Port
The bustling Port of Civitavecchia has 20 quays in total. Most of the port is taken up by container and ferry ships.
Cruiseliners dock at quays on the inside of the main sea wall. These are number 11, and 12,12B,13A/B. Occasionally quay 25 across the harbor also becomes employed on busy days.
At the moment there are three cruise terminals, named the Bramante at quay 12, and non-permanent terminals at piers 11 and 25. For the port website see Port Of Rome.
Generally cruises concentrate on either the Eastern Mediterranean - Greece, the Greek Islands and Istanbul, or the Western Mediterranean - Spain, France, Corsica and Sardinia, and Mallorca/Ibiza. For a full schedule of cruises see cruises from Rome.
The bustling Port of Civitavecchia has 20 quays in total. Most of the port is taken up by container and ferry ships.
Cruiseliners dock at quays on the inside of the main sea wall. These are number 11, and 12,12B,13A/B. Occasionally quay 25 across the harbor also becomes employed on busy days.
At the moment there are three cruise terminals, named the Bramante at quay 12, and non-permanent terminals at piers 11 and 25. For the port website see Port Of Rome.
Generally cruises concentrate on either the Eastern Mediterranean - Greece, the Greek Islands and Istanbul, or the Western Mediterranean - Spain, France, Corsica and Sardinia, and Mallorca/Ibiza. For a full schedule of cruises see cruises from Rome.
Excursions
As the Port for Rome, the City of Civitavecchia is the gateway to one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. Yet Civitavecchia itself contains several places of interest well deserving a visit, if you have spare time at the beginning or end of your cruise.
Forte Michelangelo
The 16th Century fortification called Forte Michelangelo stands imposingly over the harbor. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and finished in 1535 by Giulano Leno. The central tower was designed by Michelangelo. Constructed on the remains of Roman barracks of the Imperial Fleet, the fort is made from walls over 6 metres in depth.
Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi
Franciscan monks constructed the 18th Century Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi on an earlier 17th Century monastery. The Baroque-Neoclassical decoration of the building is very attractive. Pope Gregory IX laid the foundation stone in 1228, and the church was finished in 1253. The cathedral contains attractive stained glass windows and frescos.
Civitavecchia Beach
Steps from the seafront walkway, just across from the train station, lead to a yellow sandy beach. The water is remarkably clear and good for swimming.
The Archaeological Museum of CivitavecchiaThis is located in an 18th Century building once owned by Pope Clemente XIII and constructed for the papal garrison. It is a good setting for the display of items largely dated from Estrucan and Roman times.
As the Port for Rome, the City of Civitavecchia is the gateway to one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. Yet Civitavecchia itself contains several places of interest well deserving a visit, if you have spare time at the beginning or end of your cruise.
Forte Michelangelo
The 16th Century fortification called Forte Michelangelo stands imposingly over the harbor. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and finished in 1535 by Giulano Leno. The central tower was designed by Michelangelo. Constructed on the remains of Roman barracks of the Imperial Fleet, the fort is made from walls over 6 metres in depth.
Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi
Franciscan monks constructed the 18th Century Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi on an earlier 17th Century monastery. The Baroque-Neoclassical decoration of the building is very attractive. Pope Gregory IX laid the foundation stone in 1228, and the church was finished in 1253. The cathedral contains attractive stained glass windows and frescos.
Civitavecchia Beach
Steps from the seafront walkway, just across from the train station, lead to a yellow sandy beach. The water is remarkably clear and good for swimming.
The Archaeological Museum of CivitavecchiaThis is located in an 18th Century building once owned by Pope Clemente XIII and constructed for the papal garrison. It is a good setting for the display of items largely dated from Estrucan and Roman times.
Useful To Know
Timezone CET
Currency EURO
Languange Italian
Timezone CET
Currency EURO
Languange Italian