Rimini

<< Emilia-Romagna

Rimini is a city on the Adriatic coast of Romagna, and one of the largest seaside resorts in Europe. Founded by the Romans in 268 BCE, the city thrived for centuries as one of the main ports in Northern Italy. Rimini was later ruled by the Byzantines, Lombards, and the Papal States, and then it rose to prominence again as a signoria in the Late Middle Ages. Under the rule of the Malatesta family, Rimini expanded its domains, but ultimately submitted to the Pope. The city became part of Italy during the unification of the country. During the 19th century, the seafront of Rimini was developed and the city soon became a popular summer destination. After suffering heavy damages in World War II, Rimini was rebuilt and its tourist industry experienced a rapid growth. Rimini now features various historic attractions, but is best known for its beaches and nightlife. The tiny country of San Marino is located on a mountain near Rimini.

✪ Tempio Malatestiano

The Tempio Malatestiano is the cathedral of Rimini. Originally erected around the 9th century, the church was completely rebuilt in the 13th century in Gothic style, and transformed again under the rule of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta in the 15th century. The project was entrusted to the famous architect Leon Battista Alberti, but the building remained unfinished. The church features a marble facade, while its interiors host some artworks and funerary monuments.

✪ City Museum of Rimini

The City Museum of Rimini (Museo della Città di Rimini) is a rich museum of art and archaeology in Rimini. The collection includes numerous artworks from the Late Middle Ages, and a large archaeological section featuring mostly objects and artifacts from the Roman period. Some of these findings come from the adjacent Domus del Chirurgo, a Roman villa housing various ancient mosaics. The museum is hosted in a former monastery next to the Church of the Suffragio.

✪ Bridge of Tiberius

Also known as: Bridge of Augustus (Ponte di Augusto)

The Bridge of Tiberius (Ponte di Tiberio) is a Roman bridge erected during the 1st century in Rimini. The bridge is made of white Istrian stone and it features a few reliefs and inscriptions. The structure survived numerous wars and was the only crossing in the city that was not destroyed in World War II. Today the bridge is still open to traffic, except for heavy vehicles.

Arch of Augustus

The Arch of Augustus (Arco di Augusto) is a former city gate in Rimini, once forming part of the Roman walls of the city. The arch was erected in 27 BCE and is the oldest surviving Roman structure in Rimini. The gate marked the end of Via Flaminia and the start of Via Emilia, two major Roman roads, and it is adorned with various reliefs and inscriptions. Porta Montanara, located to the west of the city center is the only other Roman gate still standing in Rimini. A few other sections of the ancient walls survive around the city.

Piazza Cavour

Piazza Cavour is the main square of Rimini, and it features some of the most iconic attractions of the city. The northwestern side hosts the medieval Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo dell’Arengo, erected between the 13th and 14th century. Adjacent to these two is Palazzo Garampi, the town hall of Rimini. The main opera house in the city, Teatro Amintore Galli, is located on the southwest of the square. Piazza Cavour is also adorned with a fountain and a statue of Pope Paul V.

Castel Sismondo

Castel Sismondo is a 15th-century castle erected by the Malatesta family in Rimini. The imposing fortress was originally much larger, but some areas were later demolished. The castle is now used for cultural exhibitions and it hosts part of the Fellini Museum, a museum dedicated to filmmaker Federico Fellini. Another section of this museum is located inside Palazzo del Fulgor, near Piazza Cavour.

Beach of Rimini

Rimini is famous for its long beach, a popular attraction for Italian and foreign tourists in the city. The seafront features many bathing facilities which become really busy during summer. Among the other attractions adorning the long seafront is a tall ferris wheel.

Parco Federico Fellini

Parco Federico Fellini is a city park near the seafront of Rimini. The park features various decorations and statues and a large fountain. The historic Liberty-style Grand Hotel Rimini, built in the early 20th century faces the park.

Roman Amphitheater of Rimini

Some ruins of the Roman Amphitheater of Rimini, built during the 2nd century, still stand in the city. This amphitheater was once among the most important structures in the city and it hosted gladiator fights. Now the area is sometimes used for shows and exhibitions.

Italia in Miniatura

Italia in Miniatura is a miniature park located north of Rimini. The theme park hosts a large amount of miniature monuments and buildings from all of Italy and Europe. Italia in Miniatura also includes a replica of the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square in Venice, and it features a few other attractions.

Rimini Aviation Museum

The Rimini Aviation Museum (Museo dell’Aviazione di Rimini) is a large exhibition of aircrafts housing several historic pieces, also including other military vehicles, equipment, and items. The museum is located a few kilometers southwest of Rimini, almost at the border with San Marino.