Rimini

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Rimini City, Italy: A Tourist's Guide to the Enchanting Seaside Town

Rimini City, Italy, is a must-see destination on your next trip to Europe! This vibrant city is home to beautiful architecture, delicious food, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. From walking along the beach to shopping in the city center, there’s something for everyone in Rimini. Rimini has been inhabited since pre-Roman times and is now home to nearly 150,000 people. The city’s main attractions include the 15th century Malatesta Temple and the 2,000-year-old Arch of Augustus. Rimini is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy its sandy beaches and delicious food. Plus, it’s close to other popular tourist destinations in Italy, such as Florence and Venice, so you can easily visit multiple cities on your trip. If you’re looking for a beautiful Italian city to explore, Rimini is a great choice!

Top Attractions

Arco d’Augusto (Arch of Augustus)
- Constructed in 27 BC, Arco d’Augusto was named after the first Roman emperor, Caesar Octavian Augustus. Above the arch is an inscription for the emperor and the Roman gods, Jupiter, Apollo, Neptune, and Roma. It is the oldest surviving piece of Roman architecture in northern Italy and marks the entrance to the city from the Flaminia, the ancient route connecting Rome and Rimini. It is located in Corso d’ Augusto, only 5 minutes away from Piazza Tre Martiri.
Piazza Tre Martiri (Three Martyrs Square)
- Rimini’s historical square, the Piazza Tre Martiri, is home to the 16th-century statue of Julius Caesar, a memorial for when he said the famous phrase, “The die is cast.” The square is surrounded by ancient Roman architecture, as well as shops, restaurants, and cafes where you can sit and relax while touring the city. At its southern part, you will find the 16th-century church Tempietto di Sant Antonio and the Torre dell’Orologio clock tower. It’s a perfect place to eat and drink while admiring the city’s landscape.
Ponte di Tiberio (Tiberius Bridge)
- Started by Augustus in 14 A.D. and completed by Tiberius in 21 AD, the Ponte di Tiberio is a stunning five-arched bridge that marked the start of the Via Emilia, the ancient road connecting the Adriatic Coast and the Po river valley. The bridge is made of Istrian limestone and spreads to a total length of 70 meters. Today, it connects Rimini’s city center to Borgo San Giuliano hamlet and despite its age, remains to be in good condition, allowing passage for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
Tempio Malatestiano (Malatesta Temple)
- Originally a Gothic-style Cathedral, the building was converted into the tomb for Isotta degli Atti, mistress of the lord of Rimini, Sigismondo Malatesta in the mid-1400s. Sigismondo sought the help of architect Leon Battista Alberti to transform the cathedral into a Renaissance masterpiece. Today, it is home to 15th-century artifacts, including the Crocifisso di Giotto (Giotto’s Crucifix), sculptures done by Agostino di Duccio, and the Sigismondo Pandolfo’s sepulcher.
Castel Sismondo (Sismondo Castle)
- Sismondo Castle, built by the Rimini ruler himself, Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, used to be a majestic fortified palace strategically chosen for the city’s defense. Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the pioneers of Renaissance architecture, was called to help with the castle’s construction. Remains of the original structure can still be seen today and the inscription and coat of arms of the Malatesta are still etched in the entrance portal.

Must-Visit Places in Rimini

Rimini is a perfect holiday destination that can cater to all sorts of needs. Whether you are looking for culture and nightlife or just want to relax on the beach, Rimini has something for everyone. There are extravagant restaurants and clubs in this city to suit every taste and budget, yet if you want something different, relaxing, and off the beaten path, we would recommend a visit to these five amazing places:

Arco d’Augusto (Arch of Augustus)
- Situated in the heart of the city, it was built in 27 BC by Tiberius in honor of emperor Augustus. It is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments and has served as a model to many other arches across Europe.
- The arch’s current name comes from an erroneous reconstruction carried out during an excavation nearby which led people to believe that it was dedicated to Emperor Gustav II Adolf of Sweden, who happened to visit Rimini in the 17th century.
Duomo di Rimini (Rimini Cathedral)
- This majestic church dates back to 1295, but several changes have been made over time. The lower part resembles more an ancient fortress than a cathedral, while on top, you can see baroque-style decorations with several bell towers and a dome.
Ponte di Tiberio (Tiberius’ Bridge)
- Situated along the city’s northern walls, it is one of three bridges that connect the historical center to the surrounding areas of San Giuliano and San Marino. It was built in 27 BC by Tiberius himself to allow easy access from his summer residence to the sea, which at that time was located outside Rimini’s borders. It is also known as Ponte di Rema/Remo because boats were tethered on either bank.
- Rimini is a perfect holiday destination that can cater to all sorts of needs. Whether you are looking for culture and nightlife or just want to relax on the beach, Rimini has something for everyone.
- There are extravagant restaurants and clubs in this city to suit every taste and budget, yet if you want something different, relaxing, and off the beaten path, we would recommend a visit to these five amazing places:
  1. Arco d’Augusto (Arch of Augustus)
    - Situated in the heart of the city, it was built in 27 BC by Tiberius in honor of emperor Augustus. It is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments and has served as a model to many other arches across Europe.
    - The arch’s current name comes from an erroneous reconstruction carried out during an excavation nearby which led people to believe that it was dedicated to Emperor Gustav II Adolf of Sweden, who happened to visit Rimini in the 17th century.
  2. Duomo di Rimini (Rimini Cathedral)
    - This majestic church dates back to 1295, but several changes have been made over time. The lower part resembles more an ancient fortress than a cathedral, while on top, you can see baroque-style decorations with several bell towers and a dome.
  3. Ponte di Tiberio (Tiberius’ Bridge)
    - Situated along the city’s northern walls, it is one of three bridges that connect the historical center to the surrounding areas of San Giuliano and San Marino. It was built in 27 BC by Tiberius himself to allow easy access from his summer residence to the sea, which at that time was located outside Rimini’s borders. It is also known as Ponte di Rema/Remo because boats were tethered on either bank.
  4. Malatestiano Temple
    - A perfect example of gothic architecture, the temple was built in honor of Guido Correggio’s wife, who died giving birth to their child. A similar building can be found in Siena, and although it is not known which one influenced the other, the similarities are remarkable.
  5. Rocca di Ravaldino
    - This 13th-century fortress stands on a hill overlooking several historical centers and has been recently restored by local authorities. The main tower is surrounded by three walls that link up with other towers from where you can enjoy views of the whole city. We would recommend visiting it early morning or late afternoon when the streets below are less crowded.
Malatestiano Temple
- A perfect example of gothic architecture, the temple was built in honor of Guido Correggio’s wife, who died giving birth to their child. A similar building can be found in Siena, and although it is not known which one influenced the other, the similarities are remarkable.
Rocca di Ravaldino
- This 13th-century fortress stands on a hill overlooking several historical centers and has been recently restored by local authorities. The main tower is surrounded by three walls that link up with other towers from where you can enjoy views of the whole city. We would recommend visiting it early morning or late afternoon when the streets below are less crowded.

History of Rimini

Rimini, originally called Ariminum, is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of North Italy known for its seaside tourism. It boasts of a 2,000-year history, including the official founding of the CIty by the Romans in 268 BC to the Renaissance. Rimini used to be a Roman municipium because of its strategic location where the three ancient city roads converged, the Via Aemilia, Via Flaminia, and the Via Popilia. In the Renaissance, Rimini went through a massive transformation of the arts and architecture. It became the “Signoria” (Lordship) of the Malatestas. Sigismondo Malatesta, the most famous of them, was a patron of the arts. He ordered the construction of the Castel Sismondo and the Tempio Malatestiano. From then on, alongside its rich history of Roman monuments, Rimini has become home to some of Italy’s finest artists and buildings. In 1843, the first bathing establishment was opened and Rimini’s 15-kilometer beach was finally utilized. This continued to the 19th century where small beach huts slowly became beach resorts with a lively nightclub scene and an excellent selection of restaurants. It was also during this time that Rimini became one of the most active cities to join the Italian unification movement. During World War II, seaside tourism was briefly halted as Rimini was the site of numerous clashes and bombardments. Just as Rimini recovered from wars and capture by several tribes and empires of the past, the city rebuilt itself. Today, Rimini is a bustling city of beach resorts— Italy’s biggest. Aside from its long stretch of sand, tourists from all over the world visit Rimini for its history, art, and historic monuments. Already fascinated with Rimini’s past and artistic background? Wait until you hear more of its top attractions!

Culture in Rimini

The people of Rimini are very proud of their history and the past of the city, which has always been linked to culture, arts, and entertainment. Today, visitors can still see this by visiting some historical buildings that remain symbols of its many traditions.

The culture is also alive today through traditional events that take place every year throughout the summer season, such as the “Coastal Film Festival,” “Medieval Madness,” and “Festival Della Creatività,” held in August on the occasion of San Bartolomeo.

It’s not hard to understand why Rimini has always been linked to entertainment, art, and history if you take a look at its rich past. The city was once the location where Julius Caesar spent his summer holidays with his family (54-51 BCE) and decided to build an important villa on the seafront, which is still visible today.

At that time, it was called “Ariminum,” meaning high hill in Latin, due to its excellent position, which allowed the city inhabitants to have close contact with other cultures while enjoying all the benefits of being right next to the sea.

This also included trading routes that linked Rimini with regions far beyond Europe, such as China or India. Once the Romans had expanded to the south, Rimini became a very important commercial port.

The city’s history is also linked to many famous figures from ancient times, such as Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, who died in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD while trying to save people from certain death.

The great natural disaster caused great damage but didn’t stop Rimini from developing into a flourishing town that was notable for its advanced infrastructure and sophisticated culture. This included theatres, aqueducts, roads, and a harbor that facilitated access to the sea to facilitate trade.

Food and Drink

Since Rimini is a coastal city, you’ll find a lot of restaurants offering excellent seafood, fresh from the waters. A quick walk around Rimini would tell you this, especially in the seafront areas. One example is the Guido restaurant where you can enjoy the Adriatic Sea while eating. They also feature a live band every night for your entertainment. Downtown and a few steps away from the Museo della Città, you will find another restaurant offering delicious food. Il Pescatore del Canevone is a family-run seafood restaurant that keeps its menu different every day, ensuring freshness. One of their popular dishes is the fried sardoncini or European anchovies with sweet red Tropea onions. You won’t regret trying this out! From Downtown to the beach, there’s a selection of drinks at every restaurant. You may choose a classic bottle of wine or you might want to ask the restaurant their specialty drink if they have one. In the night, Rimini becomes a vibrant place to dance away the evening.

Shopping at Rimini

Aside from Rimini’s tourist spots and beaches, one might also enjoy shopping at the Corso d’Augusto. It’s a relatively small shopping street where you can find locals selling souvenirs and quirky items. If you want to splurge, you may also visit Italian designer brands like Gucci and Prada. For those who like to collect postcards to send back home, it won’t be difficult to find them here since they’re in every corner. In just a stroll at the Corso d’Augusto, you’ll find yourself wanting to buy all of them, so, make sure to be mindful of your expenses. There’s still more to the city you might want to spend on!

The Place to Be

From its historical past of architecture, culture, and art, Rimini will have you hooked the moment you step foot on the city. When you want to relax and feel the breeze, the beach is only a few minutes away where amazing food and entertainment await you. Rimini is definitely the next place to be!