Civitavecchia is located in the province of Rome and is especially known as Rome‘s ferry port. It is also here that the Mediterranean cruise ships land and depart. Main sights are the Fortezza Michelangelo and the Cathedral.
Civitavecchia travel guide
Tourist information
Tourist information office: I.A.T. Ufficio Informazioni e di Accoglienza Turistica – Viale Garibaldi, 42. Phone: +39 076625348. Free maps and a brochure with itineraries and a short explanation of the main sights are available. (There is also an “information office” in the railway station, but this is really meant to sell tickets and tours to cruise ship passengers on their way to Rome.)
Public transportation
Civitavecchia has its own railway station, close to the cruise ship harbor. There is a direct train from Roma Termini. Note, however, that this train usually does not leave from the main part of the station, but from the part known as Laziali. To reach this part, you need to walk all the way along platform 24. When you exit the station in Civitavecchia, you turn right and walk along a picturesque promenade called Passeggiata Marinai d’Italia toward the historical center of the city.
From Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci Airport) to Civitavecchia: Take the FR1 train to Stazione Trastevere. From there you can take a direct train to Civitavecchia. Alternatively, take the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini, and then a train to Civitavecchia. The second option involves a long walk inside Termini station, though (see above). The official rate of a taxi between the airport and Civitavecchia is 125 Euros.
What to see in Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia does not give a favorable impression at first sight, since the city was virtually destroyed during World War II, and the new constructions are not on a par with what was lost. Still, there are several sights worth visiting for tourists and the historical center is small, but very picturesque.
Fortezza Michelangelo
The main attraction is the Fortezza Michelangelo. Commissioned by Pope Julius II Della Rovere in the 16th century, this fort knew many architects. It was begun by Bramante and completed by Michelangelo himself; in-between Sangallio the Younger and Giuliano Leno also contributed. Inside the fortress the remains of a Roman villa have been excavated, as well as the crypt of Santa Fermina. Unfortunately the interior cannot be visited.
City walls, fountain of Vanvitelli and Porta Livorno
The city walls separating the port from the city were built in 1630, during the papacy of Pope Urban VIII. The monumental fountain was added more than a century later, by the sculptor Luigi Vanvitelli. The main entrance into the city was the Porta Livorno.
The Terme Taurine are remains of spas that used to be part of a Roman Villa in Imperial times.
The ruins of the Horrea, which were the warehouses in the times of the Romans.
Piazza Leandra: A square in the medieval part of town.
Chiesa della Stella: On the Piazza Leandra. In this church the Sacred Mysteries are preserved. These are carried through the city in the procession on Good Friday.
The Archetto: Literally, a “little archway” leading to the old town.
Church of Orazione e Morte: Baroque church, of the Brotherhood of the same name.
The Cathedral of San Francisco d’Assisi contains a a painting by Domenichino‘s workshop.
The house where Stendhal used to live, when he wrote La Chartreuse de Parme.
National Archaelogical Museum: Housed in a former papal garrison and exhibiting finds in the old harbor and in the area around Civitavecchia.
Church of the Holy Japanese Martyrs: This church is dedicated to 26 Franciscans who were martyred in Nagasaki in the year 1597. The mosaics and frescoes that can be admired in the church were created by Lucas Hasegawa. The statue on the church square depicts St. Francis.
The avenue along the sea is embellished with several works of art.
Torre del Lazzaretto
The port of Civitavecchia more or less follows the lay-out of the ancient port during the times of Emperor Trajan.
A brief history of Civitavecchia
Civitavecchia started its existence as a small port called Centum Cellae. This port was founded by Emperor Hadrian in the year 107 AD. In 828, the inhabitants of the city escaped inland after an attack by the Saracens. They did not return until the year 891, after which the city came to be called Civitas Vetula.
In 1431, Civitavecchia became the port of the Papal State. The Arsenal and the fortifications protecting the port were constructed.
The walls protecting the city itself were only built in 1630, by Pope Urban VIII. The main entrance gate is called Porta Livorno and was constructed in 1679.
After the unification of Italy, Civitavecchia became a naval base and commercial port.
Bombings during World War II caused considerable damage. Often, the reconstruction took a long time, as in the case of the Porta Livorno, which was only restored in 2007.
Nowadays, it is best known for being the cruise harbor of Rome.
Civitavecchia special events:
- Civitavecchia’s patron saint is Saint Fermina (feast day April 28).
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