Civitavecchia, Italy

Thursday, April 14, 2011     58 degrees                                               7:00 AM - 6:00 PM



Port of Civitavecchia, Italy

We head out of the Gulf of Naples and after rounding Ischia Island, follow the Italian coast on a northwesterly heading towards Civitavecchia.  Early in the evening we passed the Pontine Islands on our port side at a distance of 3.5 nautical miles.  They are rugged and distinctive in appearance which is further evidence of the volcanic nature of the region in which we are sailing.  Civitavecchia’s harbor is protected by a mole extending 1 mile parallel to the coast.  It is the principal port for Rome, approximately 40 miles away and provides general cargo and container facilities, but is also turning into a major cruise port.

Civitavecchia is located in Latium, west central Italy, on the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Bernini built the Arsenal and Michelangelo directed the final stages of the construction of the powerful citadel beginning in 1508. 

We went on a shore excursion to the ruins of Ostia Antica.  These well-preserved ruins are just 20 miles from Rome.  Scientists estimate the town was founded in the 4^th Century BC as a military base, designed to secure the river mouth against possible invasion.  As Roman power rose, the outpost was expanded as the main domestic landing for cargo boats and by the 2^nd Century AD, it had become a flourishing commercial center.  Located between Tiber River and Tyrrhenian Sea the  main street runs for more than a mile.  It is named Decumanus Maximus.  Your feet settle into deep ruts left by the four-wheeled carts used to ferry merchandise between Rome and Ostia. 

Just inside the Roman Gate, the Baths of Neptune feature a vivid mosaic.  A rather large piece, the image depicts the sea god driving a horse-drawn chariot.  An ancient amphitheater reveals the towns former importance—not just every village had a theatre.  Dating from 12BC, the preserved structure once accommodated 3,500 spectators.   The Forum of the Corporations is just beyond.  The forum was a commercial center.  Those with goods to ship would shop among the various maritime concerns that had stalls at the site.                                                                                                        

 Apartment buildings, taverns and grocery shops are still intact. Collegiate Temple was a social club for men of the poorer classes.  Laundry shop was next to the public baths.  Hot air piped up from underground boilers.

Went to the new town of Ostica for a gelato.  I had hazlenut which I loved when in Rome years ago.