What to see and do in Rimini and the Romagna Riviera

Rimini and its history

Rimini is a city with a very ancient history and rich traditions. The earliest traces of human settlement date back to Etruscan times, but the city was more important in Roman times, when it was known as Ariminum.

During the Middle Ages, Rimini was disputed between several city-states. From the 14th century, it belonged to the Malatesta Seignory, a family of local lords who made it their residence and enriched it with works of art. Among their most famous monuments is the Malatesta Temple, commissioned by Sigismondo Malatesta and designed by Leon Battista Alberti.

In 1500, Rimini became part of the Papal territories, maintaining this position until the unification of Italy. Starting in the late 19th century, Rimini experienced a strong tourist development, thanks to its natural beauty, beaches and amusement parks, such as the famous Mirabilandia park a few kilometres away.

During the Second World War, Rimini suffered heavy bombing that caused the destruction of many historical monuments and the burning down of the historic centre. After the war, reconstruction began, which led to the recovery and restoration of many ancient buildings. Today, Rimini is a lively and modern city that offers many cultural, tourist and economic opportunities.

Rimini is a city on Italy's Adriatic coast, famous for its lively nightlife, long, sandy beaches and historical monuments. Here are some of its main attractions:

1. The Arch of Augustus: is an ancient Roman structure located in the city centre. It was built to celebrate Emperor Augustus' victory over the city of Rimini.
2. The Malatesta Temple: a cathedral built in 1450 by Sigismondo Malatesta to celebrate his victory over the Republic of Venice. It is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy.
3. The City Museum: is a museum exhibiting works of art from the city of Rimini and its history. It has a collection of contemporary and ancient works of art.
4. The beach in Rimini: it is one of the most famous beaches in Europe. It is long and sandy and there are many bathing establishments, restaurants and beach bars.
5. The Tiberius Bridge: a Roman bridge spanning the Marecchia River. It was built in 14 A.D. and is one of the best preserved Roman bridges in Italy.
6. Borgo San Giuliano: is a historic district of Rimini located near the tourist harbour. It is characterised by its narrow streets and colourful murals.
7. Italia in Miniatura Theme Park: is a theme park in the shape of a miniature map of Italy. There are many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
8. The Palacongressi: a large congress and conference centre located near the historic centre of Rimini. It has a capacity of over 9,000 people and hosts events of all kinds.
9. The Rimini Trade Fair: One of the largest exhibition centres in Italy. It hosts national and international events in many different sectors.
10. Sismondo Castle: a medieval castle built in 1437 by Sigismondo Malatesta. Today it is used as a venue for cultural events and shows.

The Romagna hinterland is an area of the Emilia-Romagna region, located inland from the Adriatic coast. It includes the provinces of Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna and part of the province of Rimini.

Characterised by its lush nature and rural environment, the hinterland of Romagna is known for its hilly landscapes, chestnut forests and valleys crossed by rivers and streams. There are also numerous small medieval villages dotting the territory, where it is possible to discover ancient artisan and gastronomic traditions.

Among the main tourist attractions in the hinterland of Romagna are the thermal baths of Castrocaro, the works of the great architect Renzo Piano in Santarcangelo di Romagna, the National Museum of the Bronze Age in Forlì and the numerous natural parks that extend throughout the territory. Also not to be missed are the festivals and village fairs that enliven local life throughout the year.

1. Visit the beach: Rimini is famous for its beautiful beaches equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and bathing establishments where you can practice water sports such as wakeboarding or windsurfing.
2. Taste the local cuisine: Rimini is famous for its cuisine, especially fish dishes such as fish soup, clams, grilled fish and mussels.
3. Take a walk in the historic centre: Rimini has a historic centre full of monuments, churches and museums, such as the Malatesta Temple.
4. Visit the Mirabilandia theme park: Mirabilandia is one of the largest and most famous theme parks in Italy, with numerous attractions for all ages.
5. Shopping: Rimini has many shops, boutiques and markets, where one can find souvernirs, fashionable clothes and local products.
6. Visit natural parks: Rimini is surrounded by natural parks, such as the Valmarecchia Natural Park, where you can go hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
7. Visiting the Republic of San Marino: San Marino is a small independent republic near Rimini with a rich history and culture, such as the Rocca Castle and the Captains' Palace.
8. Attend local events: Rimini has a very active nightlife and many events, such as the Rimini Summer and the Bonfire Festival, which offer shows, music and entertainment.

Here is a list of the amusement parks in Rimini:

1. Italia in Miniatura: an educational theme park presenting Italy on a smaller scale.
2. Fiabilandia: a theme park for children based on fairy tales.
3. Oltremare: a nature theme park featuring various animals and marine species.
4. Aquafan: a water park with slides and pools.
5. Mirabilandia: a large amusement park with many attractions and shows.
6. Atlantic Toboggan: a water park featuring Europe's largest water slide.
7. Citadel Park: a city park with numerous sports activities and green spaces.
8. Beach Village: a water park on the beach.
9. Skypark Rimini: an adventure park with courses suspended in the trees.

Choose the park that suits you and have fun!

The hamlets of Rimini are: Marebello, Miramare, Rivabella, San Giuliano Mare, Viserba, Viserbella, Bellariva, San Vito, Torre Pedrera, Viserba, Viserbella, Fogliano, Montefiore, Covignano, Riccione, the Borgo San Giuliano.

Cities under the province of Rimini include:

Santarcangelo di Romagna, Coriano, Novafeltria, San Giovanni in Marignano, Verucchio, Misano Adriatico, Montescudo-Monte Colombo, Casteldelci, Montegrimano Terme, Poggio Torriana, San Leo, Sant'Agata Feltria, Gemmano, Pennabilli, Mondaino, Saludecio, Morciano di Romagna, Montefiore Conca, Mercatino Conca, and San Clemente.