In every Italian's collective imagination, Rimini is a symbol of summer, nightlife and carefree holidays packed with beaches and discos where you can stay out late until dawn.
Situated on the Adriatic coast, it is an iconic international tourist resort and recognised symbol of the Italian lifestyle.
Rimini, city of art
Many of you will know Rimini as the birthplace of Federico Fellini, or as the twin sister of nearby Riccione, in any case, as soon as you receive
your rental car we suggest a visit for the history, art, monuments and culture, which has nothing to envy from the most famous cities of art.
Roman era
Rimini's past unfolds over 2000 years: there is no lack of evidence of Roman rule and a mediaeval and Renaissance past of significant importance.
Originally called Ariminum in ancient times, the city soon became an imperial hub in the Roman era, so much so that it was nicknamed caput viarum.
Start your tour with the Arch of Augustus, the oldest in Italy constructed in 27 BC, which marked the entrance to the city. Restored to its original and imposing beauty, the arch is the
symbol of Rimini today. Continuing with the findings of the Roman age, in the central Piazza Ferrari, right in the heart of the city, there is an archaeological jewel comparable to a
miniature Pompeii that has recently been opened to the public: it is the Domus del Chirurgo (Surgeon's Home), a villa owned by a doctor that narrates the owner's
medical-pharmaceutical culture through its splendid mosaics. Not far away, you can admire another opera of Roman architectural ingenuity, the Tiberius Bridge, a massive
five-arched bridge, built on the Marecchia by the homonymous emperor who began the famous Via Emilia. The main feature is the square on the water, which allows you to
observe the bridge while strolling along the river.
Mediaeval era
From here in a few steps you will reach the delightful Borgo San Giuliano, a small fishing village born around the year one thousand, which presents itself as a web of
low and colourful houses, imaginative murals and a myriad of bars and taverns with all the renowned Romagna joviality.
In mediaeval times, Rimini had a bustling central economic and political role marked by the long domination of the powerful Malatesta family that for two centuries
imposed its lordship on the territory still today witnessed by imposing buildings built by the visionary Sigismondo Malatesta.
First of all Castel Sismondo, a massive fortress located downtown built in the fifteenth century for residential use witnessed the contribution of Brunelleschi during
its construction. Today the building is home to the FM Museum, dedicated to the great Fellini, hosting exhibitions, and events as well as a biweekly market.
To crown Sigismund's dreams of glory, the magnificent Malatesta Temple was erected which, founded on the remains of the Gothic church of San Francesco, became a symbol
of power, splendour and magnificence. Here artists of the calibre of Piero della Francesca and Leon Battista Alberti worked, giving life to one of the architectural jewels of the
Renaissance period today consecrated as the most important place of worship in Rimini, inside which you can admire the Crucifix of Giotto.
Late Middle Ages and Renaissance
Dwellings, fountains, and colonnades from the late mediaeval, Renaissance and neoclassical periods are still dotted along the main roads downtown, where Piazza Cavour with
the Renaissance Fontana della Pigna, Palazzo del Podestà, now the seat of the Municipality, Palazzo dell'Aringa and Palazzo Garampi are located: together, these buildings
house the PART museum node, dedicated to modern art and itinerant exhibitions. Once you reach Piazza dei Martiri, not too far away, you can admire the sixteenth-century and elegant
Temple of Saint Anthony.
In the city of Federico Fellini, culture and performances have a fundamental place: the nineteenth-century Amintore Galli Theatre, inaugurated by Giuseppe Verdi,
is a homage to the city's cultured vocation.
For anyone who wants to learn more about the history and art of Rimini, we highly recommend the visitor centre, a multimedia museum, full of immersive experiences,
which will project you in the past centuries to discover the ancient city.
The Rimini hinterland
The surroundings of Rimini can be visited in a few dozen kilometres whether you go inland or in the coastal area. Going inland, add a visit to SantArcangelo di Romagna,
the typical Romagna town, vibrant with life and joy, full of events, fairs and cultural initiatives that animate the downtown.
A little further on you reach Verucchio, a delightful mediaeval village perched on the hill and made famous for its Malatesta Fortress, a granite
fortification of great grandeur that today hosts events and concerts offering its visitors an extraordinary panorama. Before heading to the coast, you simply must take a tour of
San Marino, a trip outside the Italian borders, to enjoy the beauty of this tiny state with its mediaeval atmosphere.
The coast
Now head towards the coast and to Riccione as a first stop. In addition to the sea, a wild nightlife awaits you here, consisting of bars, clubs, discos and restaurants
that stay open all night until early dawn: if you want a rush of energy and vitality, this is your place!
Continuing south you reach Cattolica, a well-known seaside resort with a great maritime tradition, perfect for young and old. Its aquarium, the largest in the Adriatic,
will enchant every visitor with the magic of colourful marine species, then all in the tavern for a well-deserved, and delicious, piadina Romagnola (flatbreads).
With your rental car at our office in Rimini, you can do this and much more in complete autonomy. If your real destination is the journey, you just have to set off,
aboard one of our cars of course!