Rimini

Rimini, an ancient Roman city on Italy's Adriatic coast, is known for its 15 km stretch of sandy beaches and numerous historical landmarks. You can visit the 2000-year-old Arch of Augustus, explore the Renaissance Tempio Malatestiano, or learn about the city's famous filmmaker son at the Federico Fellini Museum.

Rimini's Beaches

Rimini's coastline extends for 15 km along the Adriatic Sea, with a variety of beach options. You'll find both public and private beaches, many equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, and beach bars. The shallow waters make Rimini's beaches particularly suitable for families with young children. During summer, you can participate in activities such as beach volleyball, yoga classes, and water sports on the beaches.

Local Cuisine

Rimini's food reflects its coastal location and Emilia-Romagna roots. Try the local specialty, piadina romagnola, a thin flatbread typically filled with cheese, cured meats, or vegetables. You'll find piadina stands throughout the city, ideal for a quick lunch or snack. Seafood is prominent in Rimini's cuisine - sample dishes like brodetto (fish soup) or grilled sardines. For dessert, try a scoop of gelato from one of the many ice cream shops in the city.

Federico Fellini's Rimini

Rimini celebrates its most famous son, filmmaker Federico Fellini, with a museum spread across multiple locations. The main part of the Fellini Museum is in the 15th-century Castel Sismondo, with interactive exhibits about Fellini's cinematic world. Visit the restored Cinema Fulgor, where Fellini first discovered movies, to see screenings of his films. As you walk through the city, you might recognize locations that inspired scenes in Fellini's movies, particularly in the Borgo San Giuliano neighborhood with its colorful houses and murals depicting scenes from his films.

Renaissance Architecture

The Renaissance period significantly influenced Rimini's architecture. The Tempio Malatestiano, commissioned by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta in the 15th century, is an example of early Renaissance architecture. Designed by Leon Battista Alberti, this unfinished cathedral contains artworks by Giotto and Piero della Francesca. Another Renaissance structure is Castel Sismondo, a fortress-palace that was once the residence of the Malatesta family. Today, it houses part of the Fellini Museum, combining historical architecture with modern exhibitions.

Ancient Roman Heritage

Rimini's Roman past is visible in several well-preserved structures throughout the city. The Arch of Augustus, dating back to 27 BC, marks the entrance to the ancient city and is the oldest surviving Roman arch in Italy. In the city center, you'll see the Tiberius Bridge, an impressive five-arched structure built in the 1st century AD that still carries traffic today. The Surgeon's House is an archaeological site showing the remains of a Roman domus with intricate mosaics and a collection of ancient surgical instruments.

Getting There and Around

You can reach Rimini by train, with regular services from Bologna, Milan, and Rome. The Federico Fellini International Airport, 8 km from the city center, serves both domestic and international flights. Once in Rimini, you can explore the compact city center on foot or by bike. Buses connect the beach areas to the city center and surrounding towns.

Best Time to Visit

While Rimini is busiest in July and August, consider visiting in May-June or September-October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. The beaches are less crowded, and the temperature is milder for exploring the city's historical sites. If you're interested in cultural events, plan your visit during the Rimini Meeting in August, a week-long festival of encounters, exhibitions, and performances.