Introduction
Situated around 80km northwest of Rome, Civitavecchia, translated as 'old town', is a working cruise, ferry and cargo port with good transport links to the Rome area and the middle of Italy. You'll find an efficient direct train service from Civitavecchia Port to central Rome, with services every 30 minutes, and a journey time of around an hour.
Emperor Trajan founded Civitavecchia Port in the part of the second Century, giving it the name Centumcellae. Even today, ruins of Trajan’s Port, which lie within the walls of the modern port , can still be seen. At the end of the fifteenth Century, Civitavecchia port was subject to frequent attack by mercenaries. Pope Julius II instigated the building of a massive castle to protect the harbor. This was finished by Michelangelo in 1537. In the 19th century Civitavecchia was connected to Rome by a railway. World War II brought destruction to nearly three-quarters of the Port. The rebuilding extended the harbor beyond its pre-war area.
Nowadays many cruise liners dock regularly at the Port of Civitavecchia. Cruise companies with a presence at the port include Royal Caribbean, Azamara, Princess, and Seabourn.
You Choose The Cruise
In general itineraries focus on either the Eastern Mediterranean - Greece, the Greek Islands and Istanbul, or the Western Mediterranean - France, Spain, Morocco and Mallorca or Ibiza. A typical 7 day Western Mediterranean itinerary would call at Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma, and Cagliari. For a full calendar of cruise departures from Civitavecchia see cruises from Civitavecchia.
Civitavecchia Cruise Terminals
Much of Civitavecchia port is occupied by container ship and ferry ship traffic. Cruise ships berth at quays on the land side of the long sea wall. These are 11 (Traianea), and 12 and 13 (Antemurale Colombo). Number 25 (Commerciale) is also used as an overflow berth. Currently there are 3 cruise terminals, named the Bramante at pier 12, and temporary terminals on quays 11 and 25.
Sightseeing in Civitavecchia
Being the official Port of Rome, Civitavecchia is the access port to one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world. But if you've visited Rome before, and fancy a change, Civitavecchia has several sights of interest well deserving a visit. Wander through the city center, and you will see remains of the old town walls, Benedict XIV's fountain, medieval buildings such as the old hospital, pretty piazzas and plenty of everyday Italian life. Follow a tour a the town with a relaxing hour or two at the beach (or gastronomes may prefer a trip to a restaurant!). Specific sights of interest in Civitavecchia are:
The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi
The Franciscans built Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi on the remains of 17th Century monastery. The Baroque-Neoclassical design of the cathedral attracts many visitors. Pope Gregory IX laid the foundation stone in 1228, and the cathedral was completed in 1253. The church features intricate stained glass windows and decorative frescos.
Forte Michelangelo
The 16th Century fortification named Forte Michelangelo towers over the port. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and finished in 1535 by Giulano Leno.The middle tower was designed by Michelangelo. Built on the ruins of Roman barracks, the fort is made from walls over 6 metres thick.
Civitavecchia Beach
Steps leading from the coastline walkway, just opposite the train station, lead to a pretty sandy beach. The sea is very clear and the beach is popular with swimmers.
La Scaglia tombs
The La Scaglia Necropolis dates from the Estrucan period. View these extensive underground tombs. The cold sacerdotal atmosphere seems eerily unnerving, but nonetheless fascinating.
Getting to the Port
From Leonardo da Vinci Airport
By Cab
A taxi ride from Fiumicino airport to the Civitavecchia Port costs about €150 one way. Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. It's a good idea to only use registered taxis (white vehicles showing a taximeter).
Train
Take the train from the Leonardo da Vinci Airport to the Rome Termini train station. The journey takes around 35 minutes. Remember to validate/punch your ticket before boarding the train. Connnect with the Rome-Civitavecchia train.
Travelling From Rome to the Port
Train
A train to the Port of Civitavecchia runs from Rome's Termini train station, located in the center of Rome. It's a half-hour service and costs about 14 euros per person. The trip takes between 70 and 80 minutes. The Port is a 10 minute walk from the train station. Turn right as you leave the train station, and walk along the road that parallels the sea front. The way is frequently signed. When you get to the entrance to the port, adjacent to the Michelangelo fort, look for a bus stop. Here shuttles leave to the cruise piers. There's also a nearby information kiosk which can be very helpful.
