Civitavecchia: Port, Fortresses and Ancient History

Civitavecchia between Port and History

Civitavecchia can be explored through its port and the vestiges of different eras. The port, known since antiquity also as Porto di Roma and Centumcellae, was built between 103 and 110 AD on the orders of Emperor Trajan. Forte Michelangelo is a 16th-century fortress commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508 and completed by Pope Paul III in 1537. It was built to protect the port. Current visitor access to Forte Michelangelo is limited to the fortress courtyard.

Further historical highlights include the Cinta muraria di Urbano VIII and the Fontana del Vanvitelli. The wall was built in 1630 to separate the port from the rest of the city. The Fontana del Vanvitelli was completed entirely in travertine in 1743 by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli and depicts the head of an ancient faun. The Museo Nazionale di Civitavecchia is housed in an 18th-century building commissioned by Pope Clement XIII. The museum contains finds from ancient Centumcellae and the necropolises in the surrounding area.

Ancient Sites and Relaxing Experiences

The visitor route at the Museo Nazionale di Civitavecchia extends over three floors and covers the beginnings of civilization, the entire ancient period and the Middle Ages. The Terme Taurine offer another way to explore the Roman past. The Roman archaeological site lies on a secluded hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its complex includes pools, massage rooms and thermal facilities decorated with friezes, mosaics and marble. Guided tours of the archaeological site are offered by the local Pro Loco.

The Terme della Ficoncella also combine nature and recreation in their own distinctive way. They are located on a scenic limestone hill and offer a relaxing experience surrounded by nature. La Frasca has been declared a natural monument by the Lazio region. This means that, alongside port architecture, museums and ancient sites, landscape-related themes are also available for your travel planning, without all interests having to focus on the same aspect of your stay.

Churches, Places of Remembrance and Local Cuisine

Civitavecchia’s religious history is reflected in several distinct sites. The Chiesa della Stella is one of the oldest churches in Civitavecchia and is the seat of the Arciconfraternita del Gonfalone, founded in 1274 by San Bonaventura. The Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Orazione is considered the oldest religious site in Civitavecchia. The Processione del Cristo Morto takes place every year on Good Friday in Civitavecchia. A statue honoring Hasekura Tsunenaga stands on Viale Guglielmo Marconi near Porta Livorno. Porta Livorno was built in 1761 on the orders of Pope Clement XIII and restored after suffering extensive damage in the bombings of 1943.

Traditional Civitavecchia cuisine includes fish dishes such as Zuppa di Pesce Civitavecchiese, Fettuccine allo Scoglio, Polpetti Affogati alla Civitavecchiese, Lumachelle di mare and stuffed squid. When choosing your hotel in Civitavecchia, you can use these different focal points as a personal basis for planning: port and architectural history, museums, ancient sites, nature, religious traditions or regional fish cuisine.

More Destinations

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