Rimini lies on the Adriatic in the southeast corner of the North Italian plain, at the meeting-place of two important ancient roads, the Via Aemilia and the Via Flaminia, some 150km/93mi south of Venice. It is one of the most favored seaside resorts and has a beach 20km/12mi long ("Riviera del Sole").
History
The ancient Ariminum became a Roman colony in 268 B.C., commanding the road into northern Italy. In the 13th century it fell into the hands of the Malatesta family, and in 1528 was incorported in the States of the Church.
At the southeast end of the Corso di Augusto in Rimini rises the Arch of Augustus (Arco d'Augusto), a triumphal arch built in 27 B.C. (the oldest one known) to commemorate the construction of the Via Flaminia.
4km/2.5mi down the coast from Misano Adriatico is Cattolica (10m/33ft; pop. 16,000), a seaside resort since the mid 19th century, particularly in favor with German visitors. There are many villas, boulevards and fine shops. The beach, 2km/1.25mi long, has good facilities for visitors. The town offers a rich choice for active holidays: sailing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, crazy golf, tennis, riding, bowling, etc. There are concerts and other events.
8km/5mi northwest of Cesenatico is Cervia (3m/10ft; 25,000), one of the most elegant seaside resorts in Romagna, the northern part of the Emilia-Romagna. The town has a broad beach of fine sand and modern thermal baths. The old town with the cathedral and bishop's palace was founded in the 18th century.
20km/12mi northwest of Rimini is Cesenatico (4m/13ft; 20,000), an old fishing village. The little town is traversed by a harbor canal, part of which is now a floating maritime museum, the Museo della Marineria, consisting of old fishing boats with painted sails.
Address: Cesenatico Tourist Office, Via Roma 112, I-47042 Cesenatico, Italy
Between Rimini and Riccione is another attraction, the amusement park "Fiabilandia", with a great choice (Show Boat, King Kong, Fort Apache, water games, Baby Park, railroad, theater, etc.).
Near Viserba the miniature village "Italia in Miniatura" is worth visiting. There are more than 200 attractions, miniature imitations, among which mountains, lakes, castles and famous squares (e.g. the Campo dei Miracoli of Pisa). 3km/2mi southeast, on the road to Riccione, is Miramare, also a bathing resort, with a large airport.
Address: Italia in Miniatura, Via Popilia 239, I-47811 Viserba di Rimini, Italy
Beyond the canal harbor is the suburb of Milano Marittima, beautifully situated on the edge of a pinewood, with an excellent beach and thermal (Fango) baths.
In the center of the old town of Rimini is the Piazza Cavour, in which are the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall, 1562), the Palazzo dell'Arengo (begun 1204), in Romanesque and Gothic style. Worth visiting is the Castello on the Piazza Malatesta (15th century), which now houses the Museo delle Culture Extra-europa. A market is held on this square on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
From Piazza Cavour in Rimini the broad Corso di Augusto runs northwest to the Ponte di Tiberio, a Roman bridge completed in A.D. 20, during the reign of Tiberius.
To the northeast of the old town, beyond the railway, extends the resort of Rimini, with numerous villas, hotels and pensioni. The adjoining districts of Rivabella, Viserba and Torre Pedrere are also popular resorts.
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Cattolica, Italy
Cesenatico, Rimini
Cattolica, Rimini
Cesenatico, Rimini
San Leo, Rimini
Arch of Augustus, Rimini
Cesenatico, Rimini
Cattolica, Rimini
