Rimini: Roman History, Art and the Riviera
Accommodation in Rimini
Rimini combines Roman buildings, medieval urban history, art and experiences along the Riviera. This makes the city suitable for trips where not every day has to follow the same rhythm: you can discover historic monuments, visit museums, explore the waterfront or get to know the city from the perspective of Federico Fellini. When looking for a holiday apartment in Rimini, it is therefore worth defining your personal focus between culture, city life and Riviera experiences.
Roman Heritage and Landmark Buildings
A striking starting point for the city's history is the Arco d'Augusto. It is considered the oldest surviving arch in northern Italy. The Ponte di Tiberio also tells of the Roman past: construction began in 14 AD under Augustus and was completed in 21 AD under Tiberius. The bridge is made of Istrian stone and has five arches. Today it is a pedestrian bridge connecting the old town with the characteristic Borgo San Giuliano.
The Domus del Chirurgo houses a surgical instrument collection with more than 150 instruments. The Porta Galliana was once part of Rimini's defensive city wall. Those interested in later construction phases will find a defensive system at Castel Sismondo that was established with the advice of Filippo Brunelleschi. Construction began in 1437 and lasted around 15 years; from 1446, the residence is documented as being inhabited.
Art, Theatre and Historic Interiors
The Tempio Malatestiano preserves a fresco by Piero della Francesca showing the prince kneeling before Saint Sigismund. Admission is free and is interrupted only during religious services. These take place on public holidays at 11:00 and 17:30, and on the days before public holidays at 17:30. The Chiesa di Sant’Agostino provides an additional gateway to art history: its 55-metre-high bell tower is the tallest in Rimini, while the church played a central role in the development of Rimini's 14th-century painting and is regarded as one of the early manifestations of the School of Giotto in the Adriatic region.
The Teatro Amintore Galli was designed by Luigi Poletti as a neoclassical theatre based on the model of the Italian theatre. It opened in summer 1857 with Giuseppe Verdi's Aroldo. At the Museo della Città “Luigi Tonini”, restored historic rooms serve as exhibition halls. The building was originally constructed between 1746 and 1755 according to plans by Alfonso Torreggiani as a Jesuit college. Also worth seeing are the four historic halls of the Biblioteca civica Gambalunga: three date from the 17th century and one from the 18th century. They preserve original furnishings and original bibliographic collections. The Palazzo dell'Arengo completes the historic picture with tracery windows and a spacious entrance hall with pointed-arch arcades.
Fellini, Squares and Riviera Experiences
The Fellini Museum is spread across several locations and includes Castel Sismondo, Palazzo del Fulgor and Piazza Malatesta. An immersive tour with multimedia installations evokes fragments of Fellini film sets and filmmaking techniques. Piazza Cavour traditionally hosts ceremonies, exhibitions and markets. This allows a visit to the city to be combined with a variety of cultural impressions without focusing on a single era.
The Riviera di Rimini also opens up its own range of possibilities. The equipped beaches offer a selection of sports activities; the “Spiaggia Libera Tutti” at Piazzale Boscovich is an accessible beach. The harbour and seafront promenade are suitable for cycling trips.
Rimini as a Starting Point for Your Search
For families or travel groups with different interests, Rimini offers a remarkable range: ancient bridges and city gates, church art, historic halls, theatre, film history and Riviera activities all stand alongside one another. It makes most sense to choose a holiday apartment or holiday home according to your preferred daily routine and the sights you actually intend to include. For another local listing, you can also take a look at Viserba.
For the overarching travel overview: Rimini.
Further Destinations
Further places within the same destination:
