Among the many images that capture the essence of Rimini — the sea, the Ferris wheel, the Fontana della Pigna, the Tiberius Bridge — the Arch of Augustus It is undoubtedly the city’s most iconic landmark. Situated at the entrance to the historic centre, this is where the tour begins Corso d’Augusto, the main road that runs through Rimini as far as the Roman bridge.
The Arch of Augustus: Rome’s gateway to the sea
Built in 27 BC to celebrate Emperor Augustus, the arch marked the entrance to the Via Flaminia, the great Roman road linking Rimini to Rome. It is considered the oldest Roman arch still standing in Italy, and one of the best-preserved.
Made from Istrian stone, a light-coloured, luminous material that contrasts with the sky and the medieval walls surrounding it, the arch was an integral part of the ancient city walls. It was originally surmounted by a statue of the emperor – now lost – and decorated with reliefs celebrating the greatness of Rome: the the deities Jupiter, Neptune, Apollo and Rome They adorn the tops of the columns, symbols of power, peace and prosperity.
The large central archway, wider than traditional arches, was a clear sign of the a willingness to be open and welcoming to those arriving in the city. Even back then, Rimini was a crossroads between the maritime world and the inland routes, between trade, culture and hospitality.
A monument that tells the story of Rimini
Today, the Arch of Augustus is one of the city’s most visited sites and represents the point where past and present meet. It is regarded as the ‘gateway’ to the historic centre: the route leading to Piazza Tre Martiri, Piazza Cavour, the Tempio Malatestiano and, finally, the Ponte di Tiberio begins here.
At night, the arch is illuminated by warm lights that highlight its architectural details, making it one of the most photographed sights by tourists. It is also a focal point for events, cultural walks and historical tours organised by the local council and local guides.
Other symbols that define the city’s identity
As well as the Arch of Augustus, Rimini boasts other recognisable symbols which contribute to its identity:
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The Tiberius Bridge, built at the beginning of the 1st century AD, a perfectly preserved masterpiece of Roman engineering.
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The Pine Cone Fountain, situated in Piazza Cavour, a symbol of the medieval civic revival.
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The Malatesta Temple, a Renaissance work associated with Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and a masterpiece by Leon Battista Alberti.
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The Grand Hotel in Rimini, an emblem of Fellini’s ‘dolce vita’, immortalised by the director in the film *Amarcord*.
All these places reveal a different side to the city: that Roman and Imperial, Malatesta and Renaissance, right up to that one modern and cinematic.
A timeless symbol
The Arch of Augustus is not just a monument, but a a thousand-year-old testament to Rimini’s identity. It represents the link between history, the sea and a warm welcome, three elements that still define Rimini around the world today.
Walking under the arch is like taking a journey through more than two thousand years of history: from a Roman colony to the Adriatic’s seaside capital, Rimini remains a city that combines culture, hospitality and timeless charm.
