June 20, 2015
Ports of the World: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
The spectacular way to approach the great port of Civitavecchia is to enter the Mediterranean Sea through the Gibraltar Strait, then continue through the Strait of Bonifasio between Sardinia and Corsica.
This is a beautiful and ancient strait and both islands are clearly visible. From here you go straight towards the mainland of Italy through the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The port of Civitavecchia, meaning "ancient town," is a very old port, founded in the 2nd century by the emperor Trojan. Parts of the old port are still visible in the centre of the modern port today. Civitavecchia is only 80km from Rome. Situated on the famous seven hills at the Tibur River and surrounding the Vatican City, Rome is the logical destination for the many cruise passengers calling Civitavecchia.
The port is not a natural port, but formed of two piers – one in the south and one going in a northerly direction – and a breakwater. This way an opening into the port is created to the north. Slowly you turn starboard in order to finally enter this great port.
Although perhaps not as well-known as other great ports of Italy like Genoa, Livorno, Naples or Venice, Civitavecchia has everything: big cruise liners, ferry boats for Sicily, fast ferries for Sardinia and all other types of ships.
Ferryl is proud to count ship-owners in this area as loyal Ferryl customers. Today Civitavecchia is a major multi-purpose port, but also a truly special and great historical port.
