Rimini: Roman Times, Renaissance and the Adriatic Coast

Rimini lies on the Adriatic Sea and combines a 15-kilometre stretch of beach from Torre Pedrera to Miramare with a historic centre whose art and architecture span more than two thousand years. Alongside the coast, Roman remains, Renaissance art and film history shape the character of the city. These different highlights offer a range of starting points for planning your stay.

Roman Traces and Architecture

The Arco d’Augusto was built in 27 BC as a triumphal arch in honour of Octavian Augustus. It is considered the oldest surviving arch in northern Italy. From Rimini station, the walk there follows Viale Dante to Piazza Tre Martiri and then to Largo Giulio Cesare. Another striking landmark is the Ponte di Tiberio: this pedestrian bridge connects the historic centre with the distinctive San Giuliano district. Built from Istrian stone, it has five round arches.

The Roman amphitheatre is another of the city’s ancient remains. It is described as the only surviving theatre in Emilia-Romagna and dates to the mid-2nd century AD. An archaeological area came to light beneath the Teatro Amintore Galli during excavations carried out as the theatre was rebuilt. It reveals a glimpse of Rimini’s history from the 4th century BC to the 19th century—a long span of time in a single place.

Renaissance, Collections and City History

The Tempio Malatestiano brings together diverse artistic influences: Leon Battista Alberti designed the temple, which houses Giotto’s crucifix and a fresco by Piero della Francesca. Castel Sismondo, meanwhile, was built as a fortified residence for Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta. Its representative and defensive functions went hand in hand. Filippo Brunelleschi advised on the design of the fortifications, which included gun ports. Restoration findings also show that the complex incorporated Roman walls, the medieval Porta del Gattolo city gate, and houses and palaces belonging to the Malatesta family.

The Domus del Chirurgo adds an archaeological glimpse into everyday life in Roman times. Discovered in 1989, the complex includes a 700-square-metre Roman domus dating to the 2nd century AD. Surviving finds include mosaics and frescoes, among them an Orpheus mosaic, as well as surgical instruments and mortars used to prepare medicines. The domus can be accessed with a ticket to the Museo della Città.

The Museo della Città presents Rimini’s past through remains from excavations, churches and municipal buildings. It is housed in a building constructed between 1746 and 1755 as a Jesuit college, based on plans by Alfonso Torreggiani. Today, its restored historic rooms serve as exhibition spaces. Interactive audio guides are intended to make visits easier for people with disabilities and children. Four historic rooms have been preserved in the Biblioteca civica Gambalunga: three date from the 17th century and one from the 18th; original furnishings and original bibliographic collections are on display.

Fellini, Cinema and Theatre

The Fellini Museum spans Castel Sismondo, Palazzo del Fulgor and Piazza Malatesta. It focuses on Fellini’s filmmaking and his relationship with the arts, exploring the dialogue between innovation and tradition. The Fulgor, Rimini’s oldest cinema, offers another historic connection to film. It is housed in the 18th-century Palazzo Valloni, whose façade was designed by Giuseppe Valadier; Federico Fellini saw his first film there. The Teatro Amintore Galli also tells a story of theatre: it opened in 1857 as the Teatro Nuovo with Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Aroldo.

Beach, Water Sports and Getting Around

Rimini’s coastline offers a different focus from its historic buildings. At the beach, water sports centres offer opportunities to learn or take part in sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. As individual providers may change, it is worth checking what is available for your travel dates. The Parco del Mare project is gradually transforming the 16-kilometre waterfront; work is being carried out in phases. The coastal cycle path of the Bicipolitana runs for about 7.5 kilometres from Porto Canale to the municipal boundary with Riccione. The route may be updated, so it is advisable to check the latest information.

Rimini is connected to the railway network and has an international airport. Check train timetables and flight connections for your travel dates. The tourist information office is inside the station; if you plan to visit, check its current opening hours in advance.

The sights and activities offer a range of starting points; choose the location that best suits your own plans and routes.

Discover more destinations: Cattolica, Cavallino, Corpolò, Gemmano, Montebello, Montescudo, Poggio Berni, Castelleale, Vergiano, Petrella Guidi, Scavolino, Talamello, Pennabilli, Cerasolo, Rivabella, Saludecio, Albereto, Montefiore Conca, Monte Colombo, Torriana, Bellaria-Igea Marina, San Savino, Sant'andrea In Casale, Novafeltria, San Giuliano A Mare, Bruciato, Maiolo, San Martino Dei Mulini, Passano, Ca' Baldo, Sant'agata Feltria, Perticara, Sant'ermete, Case Di Pedrolara, Miramare, San Giovanni In Marignano, Casteldelci, Riccione, Rimini, Misano Adriatico, Rimini-Torre Pedrera, Mondaino, San Clemente, Verucchio, Santʼarcangelo Di Romagna, Coriano, Montegridolfo, San Leo, Morciano di Romagna, Bellariva, Scacciano.

Back to the regional travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.