Port of Departure Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
The Port of Civitavecchia on the west coast of central Italy. Rome is an hour away by train
Civitavecchia, The Port of Rome
Located around 80km north-west of Rome, Civitavecchia, translated as 'ancient town', is a busy ferry, cruise and cargo port with good transport links to the Rome area and the middle of Italy. There is a good rail service from Civitavecchia to central Rome, with services every half hour, and a journey time of around 70 to 80 minutes.
The Roman Emperor Trajan founded Civitavecchia Port in the 2nd century, calling it Centumcellae. Even today, remains of Trajan’s Port, which lie inside the modern port , can still be seen. Towards the end of the 15th century, Civitavecchia Port was attacked and damaged by pirates. Pope Julius II instigated the construction of a fort to protect the port. The works were completed by Michelangelo in 1537.
In the early 19th century the Port of Civitavecchia was connected to Rome by rail, which brought a period of prosperity to the town. World War II put an end to this though, bringing destruction to nearly three-quarters of the Port. Subsequent reconstruction enlarged the Port beyond its pre-war area.
Today Civitavecchia handles over two thousand ferry and cruise ship movements per year, for nearly 2 million passengers, making it the third busiest Mediterranean port. The port is a major cruise departure port, and there's a wide variety of cruises from Civitavecchia.
Civitavecchia Cruise Terminals
The Port of Civitavecchia contains more than twenty piers. Most of the port is utilised by ferry and container ships. Cruiseliners dock at quays inside the outer wall. The quays for cruise ships are 11 (Traianea), and 12/12B/13A/13B (Antemurale Colombo). Sometimes number 25 (Commerciale) across the harbor is also utilised.
Currently there are 3 cruiseship terminals, named the Bramante at pier 12, and temporary terminals at piers 11 and 25. Cruises from Civitavecchia normally use the piers adjacent to the cruise terminals.
Cruises From Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia is a popular port of departure for a number of cruiselines including Costa, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Celebrity, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas.
The prospective cruiser has a good variety of choice, with itineraries heading west to places like Sardinia, the Cote d'Azur and Barcelona, and east to the Greek islands, Istanbul and the Holy Land.
Out and About in Civitavecchia
As its status as the Port for Rome, the City of Civitavecchia is the gateway to one of the most beautiful and culturally fascinating cities in the world. Most cruiseline passengers see little of the Civitavecchia as they rush to make their way to the capital city.
But Civitavecchia itself has interesting sights deserving a visit, if you have a few hours to spend either side of your cruise. Wander through the city center, preferably with a map, and you will spot remains of the old city walls, Benedict XIV's fountain, ancient buildings such as the old hospital, quaint squares and a lot of Italian life. So combine a stroll through the town with a seafront sunbathing session for a very agreable day. Selected sights of interest include:
Forte Michelangelo
The 16th Century fortress named Forte Michelangelo towers imposingly over the port. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II and finished in 1535 by Giulano Leno. The central tower was designed by Michelangelo. Built on the remains of Roman barracks of the Imperial Fleet, the fortress is made from walls over 6 metres thick.
The Cathedral of San Francesco d'Assisi
The architect Francesco Navona built the 18th Century Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi on an earlier 17th Century church. The Neoclassical-Baroque design of the building impressive. The church contains beautiful stained glass windows and frescos.
Civitavecchia Beach
Steps from the seafront promenade, just opposite the train station, descend to a yellow sandy beach. The sea is remarkably clean and good for swimming.
La Scaglia Necropolis
The La Scaglia tomb complex dates from the 6th and 5th Centuries BC. View these extensive underground workings The cool atmosphere will bring a chill to your bones.
Civitavecchia's Archaelogical Museum
This is located in an eighteenth Century building once owned by Pope Clemente XIII and constructed for the papal garrison. It is a good place for the display of artifacts mainly of Estrucan and Roman origin.
Travelling to the Port of Civitavecchia
From Leonardo da Vinci Airport
Passengers booked on cruises from Civitavecchia usually fly in to the Leonardo da Vinci (also called Fiumicinoo) airport. You should allow an hour for the transfer by road, or two hours by rail. If you've not booked the transfer at the same time as your vacation (normally advisable), the following options are available:
Taxi
A taxi ride from Leonardo da Vinci airport to the Port of Civitavecchia costs around 150 euros one way. Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. It's a good idea to only use registered cabs (white cars with a taximeter).
Train
Catch the train from the Leonardo da Vinci Airport to the Rome Termini train station. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Make sure you validate/punch your ticket before boarding the train.
From Rome center to Cruise Terminal
Train
The train to the Port of Civitavecchia runs from Rome's Termini train Station, situated in the center of Rome. Trains leave every half hour and cost about 11 euro per passenger. The journey takes between 70 and 80 minutes. The Port is a ten minute walk from Civitavecchia train station. Turn right as you leave the station, and follow the road that parallels the sea front. Frequent signs confirm you are going the correct way. When you reach the entrance to the port, adjacent to the Michelangelo fort, you will find a bus stop. Here buses run to the actual cruise terminals/piers. There's also an information kiosk which can be helpful.
Cruise Port Map (click on image for larger image)
Port Authority Civitavecchia Port Authority
Port Website Port Of Rome
Current Marine Traffic Civitavecchia (Rome) Marine Traffic
Currency EURO
Timezone CET/CEST
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Cruises From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
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