18 recommended sights in Rimini
Rimini is arguably one of the most celebrated resorts in all of Europe, thanks to its long 15 kilometers of gorgeous white sand beaches, an abundance of hotels and many cozy bars and restaurants. Thousands of visitors flock here to relax on the beaches, distract themselves from the busy modern life, as well as to see with their own eyes the grand sights of Rimini, photos and descriptions of which often adorn the tourist booklets.
As the capital of the province of the same name, Rimini has a population of about 146,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The region was once prominent in the Roman Empire, and to this day Rimini is still home to ancient ruins.
In addition to fantastic beaches, Rimini offers many historical sites, picturesque parks, beautiful squares and interesting museums. It’s easy to see why this city is so popular, and why it’s tourism revenue that makes up a large part of Rimini’s economy.v
City Museum
City Museum.
This interesting, though somewhat chaotic, museum is widely known for its Roman section. Several spacious halls feature displays with finds from two nearby Roman villas, including magnificent mosaics, a rare and exquisite depiction of fish made in colored glass, and the largest collection of Roman surgical instruments in the world.
Other highlights include the colorful and imaginative sketches of Federico Felini, whose Il libro dei sogni, or The Book of My Dreams, is also on display.
Address: Museo della Città , Via Luigi Tonini, Rimini, Italy.
Tempio Malatestiano
Tempio Malatestiano. | Photo: ermakov / Flickr.
Originally built in the 13th century in the Gothic style and dedicated to St. Francis, Rimini’s cathedral was radically transformed into a Renaissance Taj Mahal in the mid 1400s to house the tomb of Isotta degli Atti, mistress and then wife of Rimini’s knavish ruler Sigismondo Malatesta.
Sigismondo hired the Florentine architect Leon Battista Alberti in 1450 to reconstruct the church; as a result of the transformation, though not completed, the building is replete with grandiose Romanesque touches by Alberti as well as elements that celebrate Sigismondo and Isotta, including numerous medallions with the initials of the two lovers.
Alberti’s grandiose project was interrupted and eventually abandoned as Sigismondo’s popularity and influence waned in the 1460s. Sigismondo, disparagingly called “The Wolf of Rimini”, came into direct conflict with Pope Pius II through his aggressive military campaigns, who burned his effigy in Rome and excommunicated him for a long list of sins including rape, murder, incest, adultery and brutal oppression of his own people.
Sigismondo lost much of his territory in subsequent battles with papal forces and died in 1468. His sarcophagus is next to Isotta inside the church.
Address: Tempio Malatestiano, Via IV Novembre, Rimini, Italy.
Bridge of Tiberius
Bridge of Tiberius.
The majestic five-arch bridge of Tiberius dates from 21 AD. In Roman times it marked the beginning of the Via Emilia, an important thoroughfare between the Adriatic coast in Rimini and the Po valley in Piacenza that connected here to the Via Flaminia, providing a link to Rome.
Today the bridge still connects the center of Rimini with the old fishermen’s quarter of Borgo San Giuliano and rests on its original foundations made up of intricately woven wooden piles.
Address: Ponte di Tiberio, Rimini, Italy.
Arch of Augusto
Arch of Augusto.
This triumphal arch, the oldest of its kind in northern Italy, was commissioned by Emperor Augusto in 27 BC. Its impressive 17-meter height can be seen on Corso d’ Augusto.
It was once the terminus of the Via Flaminia, the street that linked Rimini with Rome. The buildings that grew up around the arch were demolished in 1935 to emphasize its exceptional status.
Address: Arco di Augusto, Corso d’Augusto, Rimini, Italy.
Cinema Fulgor
Fulgor Cinema.
In January 2018, the recently restored theater of the legendary Italian director and Rimini native Federico Fellini, where he watched films since childhood and developed his passion for cinema, was opened to the public.
A part of the new Federico Fellini Museum is housed here and the other part is located in Castel Sismondo. The museum includes exhibitions dedicated to Fellini’s work, narrated through poetry, photographs, drawings and film projects, including even those films that have never been available to the public, as well as interactive and multimedia installations.
Address: Cinema Fulgor, Corso d’Augusto, Rimini, Italy.
Surgeon’s House
Surgeon’s House | Photo: Puntin1969 /
This recently excavated Roman villa, once the home of a prosperous surgeon, contains a number of beautiful floor mosaics in various stages of decay. In the nearby Museo del Chirta you can see many surgical instruments recovered from the ruins.
Address: Domus del Chirurgo, Piazza Luigi Ferrari, Rimini, Italy.
Borgo San Giuliano Historic Quarter
Borgo San Giuliano historical quarter.
Located just beyond the Tiberius Bridge, Rimini’s old fisherman’s quarter has been renovated and is now a colorful patchwork of cobblestone streets, trendy trattorias, wine bars and houses with neat terraces. Note the numerous murals on the walls.
Address: Via S. Via S.S. Giuliano, Rimini, Italy.
Castel Sismondo
Castel Sismondo.
A classic Renaissance castle, also known as Rocca Malatestiana. It was designed by the great warlord and ruler of the city himself, Sigismondo Malatesta
It will open to the public at the end of 2019, the castle halls will show reconstructed sets of Fellini films, recreated by international artists as part of an addition to the Fellini Museum at the Fulgor cinema.
Address: Castel Sismondo, Piazza Malatesta, Rimini, Italy.
aRimini Caput Viarum
aRimini Caput Viarum.
It is a church and a hospital, dating back to 1368. Today it has been beautifully restored and converted into a small museum that tells the story of ancient Ariminum through four short videos, an interactive display that shows the layout of the city in Roman times, a second century AD sarcophagus and other exhibits.
Address: aRimini Caput Viarum, Corso d’Augusto, Rimini, Italy.
Municipal Palace
Palazzo del Podesta.
At the north end of Piazza Cavour is the Palazzo del Municipio, or Palace of the Municipality, erected back in 1562 and subsequently reconstructed after it was destroyed during World War II. It adjoins the majestic fourteenth-century Gothic Palazzo del Podesta.
Unfortunately neither of them is open to the public, so visitors have only to admire their monumental architecture.
Address: Palazzo del Podestà , Piazza Cavour, Rimini, Italy.
Rimini Beach
Rimini’s beach.
Rimini, famous for its long golden sands, is the ideal place to relax, enjoy the sun and swim in the Adriatic Sea. Starting from Federico Fellini Park, the beach stretches for many kilometers and is surrounded by first-class hotels, beach bars, restaurants and dotted with sunbeds.
Think about relaxing in the sun, having a cocktail or even two, swimming in the sea and building a sand castle!
Address: Spiaggia Libera, Via Largo Ruggero Boscovich, Rimini, Italy.
Piazza del Tre Martyrs
Piazza Tre Martiri. | Photo: W*** / Flickr.
Piazza Tre Martiri, which is the heart of the city, has been the site of some historic events in the history of Rimini and is also the center of the concentration of the most important buildings of the city. At its southern end you will find the small but impressive Church of San Antonio and the Church of St. Francis Paolo, while at the other end of the square you will find a number of fantastic stores, first-class restaurants and cafes.
At certain times of the year there are seasonal markets and sometimes even music concerts. The stunning design of the piazza, its fabulous architecture and the variety of facilities on offer make it a great place to visit.
Address: Piazza Tre Martiri, Piazza Tre Martiri, Rimini, Italy.
Riccione Beach
Riccione Beach | Photo: Daniele Marzocchi Flickr.
Rimini is known for its upscale beaches, but a short drive along the coast will take you to the resort of Riccione, which is just as beautiful. This small coastal town has a beautiful golden sand beach that is also full of amenities and surrounded by comfortable hotels.
In addition to the beach, Riccione is known for its thermal springs and spa treatments. Come here to truly relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.
Address: Riccione, Rimini, Italy.
Piazza Cavour
Piazza Cavour.
Located in the historic center of Rimini, Piazza Cavour is a fantastic area with beautiful architecture and local markets. You can find this charming square about a 5-minute walk from Piazza Tre Martiri and just a short walk from the Museo del Città .
Attractions located here include the town hall and the splendid Galli Theater. In addition, in the center of the square is the Antica Pescheria, an ancient columned walkway that leads to the Via Pescheria. The piazza has many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy delicious food.
Address: Piazza Cavour, Piazza Cavour, Rimini, Italy.
Ferris wheel
Ferris wheel.
Near the main beach of Rimini there is a large Ferris wheel called La Ruota Panoramica. This truly gigantic wheel is 55 meters high, weighs about 360 tons and has 28 cabins that can accommodate up to 168 people.
What can be better than to see a magnificent panorama of the city from the height of the Ruota Panoramica? The wheel moves quite slowly, and a full turn takes about 20 minutes.
Address: La Ruota Panoramica, Via Largo Ruggero Boscovich, Rimini, Italy.
Park Giovanni Paolo II
Park Giovanni Paolo II.
Although Rimini is a world-class coastal resort, it also has some absolutely stunning city parks, with Park Giovanni Paolo II being the most notable. You can find this wonderful scenic area in the southern districts of Rimini, near the Palazzo Congress.
In the center of the park is the large Lake Mariotti, home to a variety of wildlife and fauna. This park is ideal for those who like to walk, enjoy the fresh air and do sports. The park is ideal for those who love walking, enjoying the fresh air and sports, where hiking paths wind around the park and the large open space is a great place for families and children to play.
Address: Parco Giovanni Paolo II, Rimini, Italy.
Italy in miniature
Italy in miniature.
There is something inherently fascinating about miniature models of various objects, and Italy in miniature is a truly epic attraction that is astonishingly accurate in its detailed models of Italy’s most famous structures.
It is about 15 minutes north-east of Rimini and can be reached via the SS16.
The exhibition includes more than 200 miniature models, including the Colosseum, the Tower of Pisa and the Florence Cathedral. Each element has been recreated with amazing precision through the use of scale plans. In addition to models, there is a monorail, a restaurant and an educational center for children.
Address: Italia in Miniatura, Via Popilia, Viserba, Rimini, Italy.
Mirabilandia Theme Park
Mirabilandia Theme Park | Photo: Simone Ramella / Flickr.
If you’re looking for a place to spend an entire day with the whole family, head to the Mirabilandia Theme Park. Located northwest of Rimini near Lake Standiana, this amazing park is full of different attractions for people of all ages and sizes.
It is one of the most popular theme parks in Italy and is visited by a huge number of guests every year. Here you can take a ride on a high-speed roller coaster, a water slide, or even a big Ferris wheel.
There are a number of extreme rides, as well as quieter ones for young audiences and a few action shows. So if you’re tired of the beach, be sure to head to Mirabilandia!
Rimini Attractions
Given the rich historical past of the Italian resort of Rimini (Rimini), we can assure you that you can find quite a few interesting sights in the city.
One of the most respectable is the Arco D’Augusto. Built by the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus in 27 B.C. it is recognized as the oldest existing arch in Italy!
At its time it became a symbolic gateway to the Adriatic coast. A statue of Emperor Caesar, driving a chariot, once adorned the arch from above. However, the bulky construction was replaced in the Middle Ages by a relief “dovetail” decoration. The Arch of Augustus is located on the south road to the historic center of the city.
Here is a complete list of the main sights of Rimini with descriptions and photos:
Bridge of Tiberius
The Bridge of Tiberius (Ponte di Tiberio), connecting the banks of the Merecchia River, was founded in 14 AD by Emperor Augustus.
The construction work was completed under Emperor Tiberius, which is reflected in the name of the bridge. In the 6th century, the river crossing was nearly destroyed in battles with the Goths. The beautiful and functional five-arch bridge was rebuilt in the 17th century with funds from the Catholic Church.
Cavour Square
Piazza Cavour is a popular tourist attraction in Rimini.
It is surrounded by the walls of three medieval palaces. One of them, the Garampi Palace, is the city’s municipality. The second monumental building is the Palazzo del Arengho. It was built in the 13th century by the ruler Modio de Carbonese. And the third of the palaces, the del Podesta, dates from the 14th century. It served as the residence of the rulers of Rimini, who were appointed by election. The Palazzo del Arengo and the Palazzo del Podesta have a similar design that looks very organic.
The square itself is decorated with a statue of a blessing Pope V and a beautiful white marble fountain from the 16th century. There’s also the Teatro Comunale which has been staging productions since 1857.
Malatesta Fortress
The Malatesta Fortress, also known as Castel Sismondo, originated in Rimini as the residence of Sigismundo Malatesta.
It is said that the ruler of the city, Malatesta, took an active part in designing the castle and even laid the foundations with his own hands. Nowadays, on the territory of the castle there is an exhibition of the Ethnographic Museum. Also you can admire the interesting exhibits brought into Europe from Africa, America and Asia.
Tempio Malatestiano
Tempio Malatestiano, aka the Temple of Malatesta, is another landmark of great importance to the city.
In the thirteenth century Rimini began to develop rapidly under the ambitious new ruler Sigismundo Malatesta.
He initiated large-scale construction in the city, including work on the temple. For this purpose, Malatesta invited the famous architect Leon Alberti.
A mausoleum of the Malatesta family was also organized under the temple. The tensions between the Malatesta and the papal authorities meant that the temple and mausoleum were never fully completed.
Nevertheless, visitors can admire the frescoes by Piero de la Francesca, the bas-reliefs by Augustino di Duccio and the sumptuous interior decoration.
The Brioli Palace and Clock Tower
Palazzo Brioli is adjacent to the famous landmark of Rimini, Piazza Tre Martiri.
The grim name of the square was given in memory of three local partisans who were brutally murdered during the Second World War. However, the square is one of the oldest landmarks on the map of Rimini.
Almost nothing reminds you of the times when Julius Caesar himself broadcast in the square, except for the statue of the emperor.
The piazza overlooks the facade of the Brioli Palace, which over the course of its existence has passed from one influential family to another. In the Middle Ages the palace was the site of the city’s observatory. Not far from the palace stands the sharp spire of the clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio). It has decorated the town square since 1562 and informs the passers-by of the exact time and the slightest changes in the zodiacal houses.
Districts of the resort area
Rimini can be divided into a historic center and a fifteen-kilometer resort area on the Adriatic coast. The coastal strip is divided into 10 districts, each 800 meters long. The names of the districts sound in Italian melodious:
- Miramare;
- Rivazzurra;
- Marebello;
- Bellaria;
- Marina Centro;
- San Giuliano a mare;
- Rivabella;
- Viserbella;
- Viserba;
- Torre Pedrera.
Each neighborhood has its own status and rhythm of life. Central areas are designed for people who are active and not restricted in money. But the inhabitants of the suburbs prefer to rest less pompous.
In any case, all 10 districts have reliable road links to the historic part of the city.
Marina Centro
The oldest and most covered with glory area of the resort is Marina Centro. This area was equipped with an area for elite recreation in the 19th century. The Grand Hotel and the park dedicated to the Rimini-born director Federico Fellini are memorable places.
Another interesting place in Mirina Centro is the dolphinarium next to the Grand Hotel. Children and adults alike enjoy the fun and energetic show of dolphins and other inhabitants of the sea depths.
Rivabella
The Rivabella area is a busy place on the resort map. Locals love to put on rural festivals and agricultural fairs. The abundance of young wine, cheeses and provincial dancing to live music is quite a romantic pastime. There is also the medicinal spring Panthera, originating in the Sacramora Key, which springs from the area of Vizerba. It is exceptionally good for people who have digestive problems.
Bellaria
Bellaria is 4 km far from the city. Local entertainment is a rousing performance of the Ramagna orchestra. Also, once a year there is the Sangiovese clam festival. Marebello is Bellaria’s southern neighbor and during the warm season its inhabitants often hold folk festivals. A bonus for vacationers is the extensive comfortable beach.
San Giuliano Mare
The area of San Giuliano Mare happens to be in direct proximity to the port on the Marecchia River. Especially popular in this area are walks along the evening promenade and visits to fish restaurants.
Vizerbella – Italy in miniature
Vizerbella is popular because of the attraction “Italy in miniature” (Italia in Miniatura).
Holidaymakers constantly flock to the area to admire the curious exhibition of 270 exhibits. Miniature models of famous Italian curiosities on a scale of 1 to 25 and 1 to 50 have been installed in the wonderful park. The thematic exhibition appeared in 1970 thanks to the efforts of Ivo Rambaldi.
The resourceful Italian took care to ensure that the scaled-down replicas of the landmarks were made in strict accordance with the originals. Often there are costume plays and other entertainment events in the park.
The cost of tickets to the park depends on the time of year: from 11 to 23 euros for adults, children under 100 cm tall – free, children under 140 cm – from 8 to 18 euros. The most expensive to visit the park is from June to October.
- The park’s official website: www.italiainminiatura.com
Tore Pedrera.
At the end of the chain of resort areas in the north is a place called Tore Pedrera. Here vacationers will enjoy the golden beach, which stretches for 2 kilometers. There are also numerous shops, restaurants and places of entertainment.
Rivazzurra and Miramare
The newest neighborhoods have grown in the south of Rimini – Rivazzurra and Miramare. In Miramare, vacationers can spend the day in a large spa. The establishment is located right on the edge of the sea and offers its clients a variety of treatments from thalassotherapy.
Miramar is the only airport in Rimini named after Federico Fellini (Aeroporto Internazionale Federico Fellini, IATA).
