Rimini beach resort is well known worldwide and is located in Emilia Romagna region, northeast of Italy. As a result, they propose a complete tourism, recreation, and cultural services. For sure the Romans founded the town, and Octavian enlarged and embellished it. Hence, the Arch of Augustus and the Roman bridge are of this domination. As follow, after a period of instability, Rimini grows, around the Thousand, with the opening of a new river port. As well as with the beginning of the Episcopal and the commune periods. And also, the Malatesta family, from 1300 onwards, calls at the court Brunelleschi, Alberti, and Piero Della Francesca. Most of all, the Malatesta Temple is a testimony of the golden age of this family.

The Roman site

In 268 BC, the Romans chose Rimini as the starting point of the Via Emilia. In fact, this road runs from Rimini (Ariminum) on the Adriatic coast to Piacenza (Placentia) on the river Po (Padus). As a result, they completed it in 187 BC. Hence, the road follows the northern edge of the Apennines bordering the Po plain. Rimini, on the banks of the River Marecchia, links to Rome thanks to the Via Flaminia, a road completed 33 years earlier. And thus became a key point for trade. Furthermore, Corso Augusto was the main axis or Decumanus Maximus of the Roman town. Worth a note, at the entrance of Via Flaminia and Corso Augusto we find the triumphal Arco Augusto erected in 27 BC. It is the oldest surviving arch of the Roman world. Today Rimini is one of the art cities of Emilia Romagna, the capital of the province.

Tiberius bridge and the port

The Tiberius Bridge is the pride of the Roman architecture in the town. And also, we can see some Latin inscriptions on its massive Istrian slabs. As a result, they built it across what was the Marecchia river between 14 AD and 21 AD. Seems that in 1417, the Marecchia shifted its estuary to the north and a canal replaced the river. But most of all, the port of the town was vital to the rise of Rimini. In fact, thanks to the Via Flaminia and the connection to Apuglia in the south, it was also an important pilgrim site to Rome.

The Malatesta dynasty

But the main feature of the region is the display of the Medieval power of the Malatesta dynasty. Which lorded over the area between the 13th and the 15th centuries. In fact, their castles and churches dominate the history of Rimini province. Hence the Malatesta brought with them tales of heroism, romance, treachery, and fratricide. Battling with Popes and rival noble families, the dynasty left behind wonderful works of art.

Rimini and the Tempio Malatestiano

In the town of Rimini, we find the great legacy of Sigismondo Malatesta. It is the Tempio Malatestiano that dates back to the 15th century. In fact, Leon Battista Alberti, one of the Italian great early Humanists, designs it. As a result, he made the temple using the frame of a Gothic Franciscan church that stood on the site. Hence, he encased it in Verona marble. Seems that the Roman era inspired Alberti, as well as Sigismondo. Most of all, his classic designs and theories are said to have been the precursor of the Renaissance art.

The interior

Furthermore, Agostino di Duccio designed the interior that contains a 14th century crucifix of Giotto. As well as a fresco of Pietro Della Francesca made in 1451. It represents Sigismondo Malatesta kneeling in front of Saint Sigismund. However, they never completed the works on the temple. Because after the Malatestas, Papal rule ensued and the development of Rimini stagnated.

The Rimini countryside

Here is the land of the fables. As a result, this is the land of the Malatesta, the Medici, and Lucrezia Borgia. As well as Garibaldi and the partisans. In fact, this is a region of ancient historic settlements. Because the landscape gave excellent sites for the protection of the small towns. While the main communication routes were in the valleys and the Adriatic coastline.

The Gothic Line

During the Second World War, its hilltops, gullies and valleys were a key battleground between the Allied forces and the Germans. In fact, Verucchio and many other castles were part of the Germans Gothic Line of defense. Which ran across the Apennines to the Mediterranean coastline. As a result, the war did some damage. But the cultural heritage of the area has been largely left unspoiled.

The beach resort

Rimini town lives up to its reputation for offering almost everything a seaside tourist would want. In fact, It is famous for its 40km of sandy beaches and hotels. As well as water sports and nightclubs. Therefore, the town itself was the first as a seaside resort in 1843. Hence now they are about 700, each with an attendant hiring out deck chairs, parasols, bathing huts and sunbeds. Important note, the population doubles in the summer and outside of season its relative tranquillity provides a pleasant atmosphere. In conclusion, the beaches of Rimini have every water sport you might wish to mention.