Rimini’s historic centre preserves evidence of more than two thousand years of art and architecture. The Arco d’Augusto offers a striking link to Roman history: the triumphal arch was built in 27 BC to honour Octavian Augustus and is considered the oldest surviving arch in northern Italy. From Rimini railway station, a walking route follows Viale Dante to Piazza Tre Martiri and then to Largo Giulio Cesare.
The Ponte di Tiberio provides another link between parts of the city: the pedestrian bridge, built of Istrian stone, has five round arches and connects the historic centre with the distinctive San Giuliano district. At the Roman amphitheatre, the focus is instead on its theatrical form. It dates to the mid-2nd century AD and is described as the only surviving theatre in Emilia-Romagna. Together, the triumphal arch, bridge and amphitheatre convey different aspects of Rimini’s architectural history.
Art and architecture through the ages
The Tempio Malatestiano offers a different emphasis from the Roman buildings: Leon Battista Alberti designed the temple, which houses a crucifix by Giotto and a fresco by Piero della Francesca. At Castel Sismondo, representative and defensive functions come together. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta had the complex built as a fortified residence; its defences were designed with advice from Filippo Brunelleschi and included gun ports. Roman walls, the medieval Porta del Gattolo city gate, and Malatesta houses and palaces were incorporated into it.
The Museo della Città “Luigi Tonini” presents Rimini’s past through millennia-old evidence of its local heritage, from archaeological excavations, churches and municipal buildings. It is housed in an 18th-century building that was constructed as a Jesuit college between 1746 and 1755, based on plans by Alfonso Torreggiani. The restored historic rooms now serve as exhibition halls. Interactive audio guides are intended to make visits easier for people with disabilities and children.
The Biblioteca civica Gambalunga also brings together a collection and an architectural history. It is housed in a palace that Alessandro Gambalunga had built between 1610 and 1614; its classical architectural details are influenced by Sebastiano Serlio. Four historic rooms are part of the collection: three date from the 17th century and one from the 18th century. They retain their original furnishings and original bibliographic collections.
Fellini’s Rimini and the history of theatre
The Fulgor is Rimini’s oldest cinema and is located in the 18th-century Palazzo Valloni, whose façade was designed by Giuseppe Valadier. Federico Fellini saw his first film at the Fulgor cinema. Palazzo Fulgor is now a publicly accessible centre for information, study and research. The Fellini Museum spans Castel Sismondo, Palazzo del Fulgor and Piazza Malatesta. It is devoted to Fellini’s filmmaking and his relationship with the arts, in an ongoing dialogue between innovation and tradition.
The Teatro Amintore Galli offers another perspective on Rimini’s cultural history. It opened in 1857 as the Teatro Nuovo with Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Aroldo. The archaeological site beneath the theatre came to light during excavations carried out as it was rebuilt. It reveals a cross-section of Rimini’s history spanning from the 4th century BC to the 19th century.
The Adriatic coast and getting around
Rimini lies on the Adriatic Sea. The beach stretches for 15 kilometres from Torre Pedrera to Miramare. This is distinct from the 16-kilometre-long seafront, which is being progressively redeveloped through the Parco del Mare project. The two figures therefore refer to different stretches or initiatives: the beach on the one hand and the project’s seafront on the other. At watersports centres on the beach, you can learn or take part in sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding; individual operators may change.
Rimini is connected to the rail network and has an international airport. The tourist information office is inside the railway station; check the current opening hours before visiting, if necessary.
Discover more destinations
Cattolica, Cavallino, Corpolò, Gemmano, Montebello, Montescudo, Riccione, Rimini, Misano Adriatico, Rimini-Torre Pedrera, Mondaino, San Clemente, Verucchio, Santʼarcangelo Di Romagna, Coriano, Montegridolfo, San Leo, San Giovanni In Marignano, Bellaria-Igea Marina, Cerasolo, Rivabella, Saludecio, Albereto, Poggio Berni, Castelleale, Vergiano, Casteldelci, Montefiore Conca, Monte Colombo, Torriana, Talamello, Sant'andrea In Casale, Novafeltria, San Giuliano A Mare, Bruciato, Maiolo, San Martino Dei Mulini, Sant'agata Feltria, Perticara, Sant'ermete, Case Di Pedrolara, Pennabilli, Miramare, Petrella Guidi, Ca' Baldo, San Savino, Morciano di Romagna, Bellariva, Scacciano, Scavolino, Passano
For the broader travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.
