In the eastern part of Italy lies the Emilia-Romagna region, whose coast is deservedly called the Adriatic Riviera. Its symbol is Rimini - founded in 268 BC. NS. a city and modern resort, offering a sea of entertainment, shopping and relaxation on wide sandy beaches stretching for miles. Tourists are also attracted by the sights of Rimini - real treasures of ancient artifacts and relics that reveal the pages of the history and culture of the country.
Borgo San Giuliano
Just behind the famous Tiberius Bridge, which crosses the Marecchia River, begins the picturesque quarter of Borgo San Giuliano. The place is known for its numerous fish restaurants, stalls, romantic alleys and lined houses adorned with flowers on windowsills and colorful frescoes. The Benedictine abbey of the 9th century and the Romanesque church of San Giuliano are located here.
The inhabitants of this authentic area still follow ligaza, the tradition of eating together. At the same time, the townspeople gather in small squares to socialize and dine on the products they brought with them - freshly baked buns, sardines caught in the morning and homemade wine. The famous Federico Fellini overheard the local dialogues and inserted them into his films. The house of the Italian director at 71 Via San Giuliano is still one of the main attractions of Borgo San Giuliano.
Place Cavour
The cultural center of the city is a place where the most interesting historical monuments are collected. And despite the fact that they belong to different eras, the architectural ensemble Piazza Cavour is an admirable example of beauty and harmony. People come here not only to get acquainted with the iconic buildings, but also to relax on the numerous benches placed around the perimeter and to refresh themselves at the marble fountain "Shishka", from which you can drink water.
The main objects of the zone, accessible only to pedestrians, are three palaces of the 13th-16th centuries: communities, headmen and a medieval assembly. The decoration of Piazza Cavour is also a monument dedicated to Pope Paul V. For shopping, tourists and townspeople rush to the fish market, where to this day there are stalls carved from stone that have survived from the 18th century. Today, every morning (except Sunday) here you can buy not only seafood, but also unique souvenirs.
Tre Martyri Square
The modern name Piazza Tre Martiri is translated from Italian as “the square of the three martyrs”. This is how this place began to be called after the tragic events of World War II. It was here, in the historic center, that the Nazis executed Italian partisans in 1944. Today, the architectural core of the popular tourist destination is the Baroque Temple of Sant'Antonio of the 16th century and Palazzo Brioli, which attracts attention with a brick clock tower decorated with forged elements and an astrological clock.
The history of Piazza Tre Martiri dates back to 200 BC. At that time, it was a city forum. Historians claim that in 49 BC. from the tribune that has survived to this day, Caesar's speech was heard, who appealed to the inhabitants and his legions with the insistence to support his intention to go to Rome. The monument to the great commander, made of bronze and installed in 1933, adorns the northern part of the square.
Exhibition complex Rimini Fiera
In the northern part, at 155 Via Emilia, the Remini Fiera Center has been organizing international exhibitions since 2001. He specializes in four areas: entertainment, tourism, environment and technology, food and hospitality. The complex, which covers an area of 460 thousand m2, has its own Riminifiera railway platform. There is also an internal bus station on the territory. You can get here by a free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes.
Rimini Fiera has 16 exhibition pavilions, service and technical rooms, shopping areas, conference rooms, meeting rooms, restaurants, snack bars and car rental. Tickets for events can be purchased in advance through local travel agencies. Private persons have access not only to visits to public fairs, but also exhibitions oriented to professionals.
Arch of Emperor Augustus
About the ancient era, when the modern resort of the Adriatic was named Ariminius, is reminiscent of a monumental monument of Roman antiquity - the Arch of Augustus, which closes the pedestrian street Corso d'Augusto. The structure, erected in honor of the Emperor Caesar Augustus in 27 BC. e., is the oldest surviving triumphal arch in Italy. Initially, the construction of Istrian stone, which was part of the defensive wall, was decorated with a quadriga. In the Middle Ages, it was destroyed by an earthquake and replaced with a scalloped top.
The marble walls of the structure are 9 m long and 9.92 m high, decorated with fluted pilasters and Corinthian columns. The facade facing Rome is decorated with medallions depicting Jupiter and Apollo. On the opposite side, images of Minerva and Neptune are captured. The original model of the arch, recreated from surviving drawings from the era of Ancient Rome, can be seen in the city's history museum.
Tiberius bridge
The symbol of the city, immortalized on the coat of arms, is a 62-meter five-arch bridge that has been connecting the banks of the Marecchia River for 2,000 years. Despite such an advanced age, today both small cars and sightseeing buses pass through the stone crossing around the clock. The exceptional strength of the structure is explained by a solution of lime and volcanic ash and a special technique of execution: the pylons, installed with a slope, are interconnected.
The beginning of the construction of the stone structure dates back to 14 AD. - during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Construction ended in 21 AD in the era of Tiberius. In 580, the structure was destroyed by the Goths and completely rebuilt by 1680. The bridge has survived to this day practically unchanged. On its parapet you can still see Latin sayings, and on one of the stones there is a clear imprint of a goat's hoof, popularly called the "mark of the devil."
Sismondo Castle
In 1430 Sigismondo Malatesta came to power. After 7 years, he issued a decree on the construction of a castle defense complex, in the design of which the ruler was directly involved. The work lasted 15 years. In 1446, the Malatesta family took over a new family residence, which resembles an impregnable fortress rather than a family castle. The core of the architectural ensemble, fenced off from the world by a moat and massive 30-meter walls with fearsome bronze cannons, is a three-story palace.
After the death of Sigismondo in 1468, the castle began to be used for military purposes, turning the premises of the former residence into a barracks. Today, the halls of the royal palace house the expositions of the Ethnographic Museum. The courtyard serves as a venue for cultural events. Sismondo Castle is located at Piazza Malatesta. Open from June to September daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00.
Tempio Malatestiano Church
In the historic center of the city, on Via IV Novembre, 35, there is a Franciscan church, which also bears the name of the Temple of Malatesta. Built in the 1200s, in the 15th century it was reconstructed and turned into a mausoleum of the famous family, headed by the favorite of the Pope - Sigismondo Malatesta. The project's architect, Leon Battista Alberti, had to create a building comparable in beauty and power to the Pantheon. However, the patronage of the head of the Catholics did not save the ruler of Rimini from excommunication, in connection with which the construction was suspended. The architect's grandiose plans remained unfinished.
Today the cathedral is a structure decorated with a marble façade, sculptures and blind arches.The austere interior is decorated with a large altar crucifix and sarcophagi in which Sigismondo and his beloved Isotta rest.
The church is open daily from 08:30 to 12:30 and from 15:30 to 19:00. The entrance is free.
Museum "House of the Surgeon"
In 1989, as a result of renovations carried out on Piazza Ferrari, the remains of a two-story house, built in the 2nd century and destroyed by fire in the middle of the 3rd century, were discovered. The result of 10 years of archaeological excavations was not only the remains of clay walls, stone sculptures, mosaics, coins and interior items, but also 150 medical instruments used for surgical, pharmacological and therapeutic purposes. Today, on an area of 700 m2, enclosed by a glass structure, a museum has been opened, introducing visitors to the ruins of ancient structures and artifacts of the II-XVIII centuries.
The Surgeon's House is open daily (except Monday):
- in summer: from 10:00 to 19:00. Wednesdays - from 10:00 to 19:00 and from 21:00 to 23:00; on Sundays - from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00
- in winter: from 08:30 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Sunday - from 10:00 to 19:00
National Motorcycle Museum
A must-see point of the tourist program for fans of "iron horses" is a unique museum located in a picturesque suburb. The two-storey pavilion on an area of 700 m2 contains exhibits dear to the hearts of asphalt heroes. Eight private collections designed according to themes and periods give a complete picture of the history of the development of motorcycle technology.
The exhibition halls house 250 models from 60 world manufacturers, including the famous Frera, Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Benelli. With special pride the museum presents priceless items: a wooden bicycle from 1816, the ancestor of the MOTO PATTINO A.B.C scooters, created in 1920, and the legendary Harley Davidson from 1942.
The museum is located at Via Casalecchio, 58 and awaits guests from Tuesday to Sunday:
- from May 1 to October 31 - from 13:00 to 19:00
- from November 1 to April 30 - only when booking groups of 10 people or more
Park "Italy in miniature"
Thousands of tourists have come to the outskirts of Rimini since 1970. Their goal is to visit the theme park, which has collected 272 objects on its territory, which are mini-copies of the most famous sights of Italy. Here you can take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, which is 1/5 the size of the original, admire the Colosseum, or take a photo with St. Peter's Basilica in the background. In addition to models, tourists will find a variety of attractions and interactive entertainment: planes take off from miniature runways, and trains leave from tiny train stations.
Located at Via Popilia, 239, it is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00 (from 01.03 to 06.10). From October 6 to March 1, the park is only available on weekends.
Amusement Park "Fiabilandia"
In 1965, on the shores of the Adriatic, the first amusement park in Italy was opened - the kingdom for children Fiabilandia. Already at the entrance, visitors can see a local landmark - the fairytale castle of the magician Merlin. The area of 150,000 m2 is divided into 4 thematic zones: the Wild West, which contains the Apache and Navajo villages, the Pirate Penn Bay, the eastern sector focused on Chinese folklore, and the medieval territory of knights and sorcerers.
The amusement park is located in Via Gerolamo Cardano, 15. You can visit it:
- from March 25 to September 16 - from 10:00 to 18:00
- every Thursday and Friday in May - from 10:00 to 17:00
- from 6 to 26 August - from 10:00 to 19:00
- September 22, 23, 29, 30 - from 10:00 to 18:00
- weekend in October and from 1 to 4 November - 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Federico Fellini Park
Not only fans of the work of the legendary Italian director, but also lovers of leisurely walks along the shady alleys will love the park named after the famous native of Rimini - Federico Fellini. The main decorations of the green area along the city embankment are:
- Fountain of the Four Horses, built in 1928. The composition represents a pool symbolizing the sea element, from the depths of which 4 creatures with horse bodies and fish tails appear.
- The two-meter sculpture "Camera", which appeared in 1948. The monument was created with the participation of the company for the production of photographic film and equipment Ferrania (Italy). The front of the huge camera is decorated with a red Fellinia lettering.
Next to the park is another famous landmark - the five-star Grand Hotel Rimini, in which the genius of Italian cinematography shot several scenes for the film "Amarcord".
Ferris wheel
The height of the observation wheel, located near the city port, is only 60 m. But its fast rotation puts it on a par with such monsters as the Riesenrad in Vienna and the Millennium in London. Thanks to 42 gondolas, the Italian attraction weighing 360 tons lifts up to 2,000 people into the sky every hour. The structure is especially beautiful, illuminated by 60,000 colored lights at night.
The Wheel of Rimini is often called the bridge that connects the heavens with the waves of the sea. In clear weather, the top point offers magnificent views of the city, the Adriatic and the Republic of San Marino. And do not worry if the structure suddenly stops during ascent or descent. This is a forced measure - because of the increased rotation speed, visitors sometimes do not have time to occupy the booth.
The attraction is located at Largo Ruggero Boscovich, 1.
The beaches
The best natural attraction of the Italian resort is its 15 km long beaches. From mid-June to September, on the fine pebbles and delicate sand that shelters the Adriatic coast, sun-bored tourists sunbathe, play tennis and volleyball and take part in dance master classes. It's important to know! The coast to the north of the city is protected from the elements by a wall of stones, so this area is not recommended for those who like to swim in a race with the waves.
For vacationers, 10 zones are available, the best of which are Bellariva, Marebello, Marina Centro, San Giuliano Mare, Rivabella, Miramare and Viserbella. The lion's share of the coast is paid beaches equipped with all the necessary equipment. Swimming in the sea and sunbathing is free. However, in this case, you will have to face a huge number of tourists and, possibly, rubbish left by careless picnic lovers by the sea.
