The Ancient Side of Rimini

Rimini is well-known in Italy and abroad thanks to its beaches, amazing discos and pubs, but there’s more to this city than just the party scene!

Rimini, located in the Emilia Romagna region, was established where two of the most important ancient Roman roads crossed, the Via Flaminia, that used to connect Rome to this area; and the Via Emilia, that reached Piacenza. Thus, Rimini (Ariminum) is more than 2000 years old – as the Bridge of  Tiberius testifies.

Actually, this year – 2014 –  the Bridge of Tiberius celebrates its 2000^th birthday! Construction work started in 14 AD during the reign of Augustus and completed in 21 AD by Tiberius. In fact, an inscription points out this fact “given by both emperors”.

Built with Istrian marble, this bridge is a perfect example of the architectural expertise of Ancient Romans: at that time, it was used by merchants coming to Rimini to sell their goods or by Roman soldiers on horseback. And to this day, it is still used by many people, on foot, by car or on their motorbikes.

Bridge of Tiberius. Photo credit: Roberta Parisi

The Bridge of Tiberius used to be an entrance to the ancient center of Rimini. The Decumanus Maximus (the main street of Roman city planning that today corresponds to Corso d’Augusto) connected it directly to the other entrance door: the Arch of Augustus. It is the oldest Roman arch that is still intact. It was built in 27 BC with a double aim: to celebrate the Emperor Augustus and to indicate the access point to the city center.

The most amazing parts of the original decorations are still visible: the inscription dedicating the arch to Augustus and the reliefs of four Roman gods – Jupiter, Apollo, Neptune and Minerva.

Probably, on the top of the arch there was once a sculpture representing a chariot driven by Emperor Augustus that was removed by Mussolini during the early 20^th  Century.

Arch of Augustus. Photo credit: Roberta Parisi

Another interesting fact that few know about Rimini is that it has preserved a little Pompeii in its city center. In 1989 during renovation work in Piazza Ferrari, an archeological complex came to light. The site, which measures more than 700 square meters and contains structures from Roman Times to Middle Ages,  shows the history of the city through the urban stratification.

The site has been renamed Surgeon’s Domus, due to the discovery of more than 150 medical and pharmaceutical instruments – pincers, scalpels, mortars, scales, pots, etc. – suggesting that the owner of this house was a Roman military surgeon from the 3^rd century. Today, most of these finds are displayed in the Archeological Section of the City’s Museum.

The Surgeon’s Domus has open to the public since 2007. Besides the taberna medica, other rooms of the Roman house can also be seen. Remarkable are the well-preserved mosaics and the frescoes, especially a polychrome mosaic with Orpheus, the animal enchanter, in the centre, and a panel in blue glass paste representing a dolphin, a bream and a mackerel.

Surgeon’s Domus. Photo credit: Roberta Parisi

Another testimony of the glorious past of Rimini, more recent than the ones above mentioned, is its Cathedral. It was originally a thirteenth-century Gothic church belonging to the Franciscans that during the Renaissance, when the Malatesta family ruled the city, was renovated following Leon Battista Alberti’s project.

The new structure is majestic and impressive, full of pagan symbols and resembles a temple more than a church and it comes as no surprise that the Cathedral is also known as the Malatesta Temple. Unfortunately, the excommunication of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta in 1460 led to his rapid decline and the Cathedral could not be finished.

Still today, the upper part of the façade is incomplete. Nevertheless, if you are walking around Rimini, don’t miss the chance to take a look at its interiors…it is really worth a visit! It preserves the Crocifix of Giotto and a fresco by Piero della Francesca, representing Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta praying to Saint Sigismondo.

Malatesta Temple. Photo credit: Roberta Parisi

One last secret and enchanting part of Rimini is the ancient Borgo San Giuliano. It is situated on the other side of the Bridge of Tiberius and used to be the dwelling of fishermen. Similar to many neighborhoods founded by sea-faring people, it is colorful and lively.

Fishermen were not rich and so they often painted their houses with the colors used in ship-building. At times when the remaining tint was not enough for the whole house, different walls could be in different colors. Furthermore, this little Borgo has been recently restored and images of sea life or scenes of Federico Fellini’s movies have been painted on the walls.

Actually, the Fellini took inspiration for many of his famous settings from this borgo. And, if this is not enough to convince you to have a walk here, just consider the fact that among the fishermen’s houses you can also find quaint restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes, and obviously piadina and local specialties!

Borgo San Giuliano. Photo credit Roberta Parisi

Rimini is the perfect seaside destination for an unforgettable vacation filled with aperitivos on the beach and a sparkling nightlife, but between a swim and a dance it’s also a city that’s worth exploring.

Author’s Bio: Roberta Parisi works as a freelance translator and writer, and also collaborates with local newspapers.