Civitavecchia, the Port of Rome

Saturday April 26

This town is the port for Rome, so most people head for the "eternal city" but as we've been there a number of times we decided to stay in Civitavecchia. We like to soak up the atmosphere of the smaller towns and we spent a day here 3 years ago when on our Meditteranean cruise and loved it so we're doing it again. Last time it was Good Friday so it was quiet but today it was really humming, especially with 4 big cruise ships in port.

We love local markets and the fishing boats had just returned so the market had some great looking seafood hopefully ready for the marinara sauce tonight!! It reminded us of being at a smaller version of the Vic market in Melbourne on a Saturday morning as the following pictures show.

This port is famous for its fort which dates back to the 16th century and the central tower was designed by Michelangelo. A lot of the old city wall is also visible. Civitavecchia also has a number of old churches as well as lovely piazzas where you can enjoy a meal and coffee while people watching. Along the waterfront a promenade wends it's way along allowing you to admire the sea views and pebbly beaches on one side and fabulous old, multi-coloured buildings on the other. As well as remnants of old baths built in the late 1800's there is a huge statue of a kissing couple which appeals to the locals and visitors. If you wait long enough, a couple comes along who just have to mimic the statue - all great fun and so very Italian - they really are romantics!

Ciao for now. It's amazing how quickly Italy takes hold of you, we love it.

Back on board it was Kings Day for the Dutch to celebrate the King taking over the throne after his mother, the Queen, abdicated a year ago, and being a Dutch ship they had to celebrate! The Lido deck around the pool was decorated with orange streamers, red white and blue balloons and of course Dutch flags. It looked fabulous. We enjoyed a Dutch BBQ for the celebration dinner that included chicken, beef and meatballs which were delicious, acompanied with appropriate side dishes, followed by traditional Dutch desserts.

We set sail about 9pm so it was getting dark and all the lights in the town were on - it looked lovely as the twinkling lights farewelled us and the other cruise ships as we sailed our separate ways.

 

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