Anyone who believes that all roads lead to Rome is mistaken. Since the days of the Roman Empire, Rimini has been a maritime city that served as the gateway from the Mediterranean to all of Europe. A walk through the city is a journey through time, spanning twenty-two centuries of history—from Ancient Rome to Fellini, passing through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Seigniories.

The classic itinerary begins at the Roman Amphitheater. The remains of this arena are the last witnesses to the gladiator spectacles that entertained Rimini in the 3rd century. Confirming Rimini’s importance during the Imperial era, the tour continues to the Arch of Augustus, a monumental gateway to the Roman city dating back to the 1st century BC.

Walking along Corso d’Augusto, the ancient decumanus, you will reach Piazza Tre Martiri, the former Roman Forum. For centuries, it served as the lively “Piazza delle Erbe,” surrounded by porticoed shops and the charming 16th-century temple dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, designed with Bramantesque lines. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, this square and the surrounding areas host the city’s general market, the largest in the Emilia-Romagna region.

The path leads down to Piazza Cavour, the second Forum of Roman Rimini, which took on a primary role during the Middle Ages. Here, you can admire the exteriors of Palazzo Garampi (the current Town Hall), the medieval Palazzo dell’Arengo, and Palazzo del Podestà (the seats of government since the 13th century) as well as the 18th-century Fish Market. At the far end of the square stands the beautiful Teatro Comunale, a neoclassical theater inaugurated by Giuseppe Verdi. In the center of the square are the famous statue of Pope Paul V and the medieval Fontana della Pigna, which was even praised by Leonardo da Vinci.

Time allowing, by circling the theater, you can admire Castel Sismondo, the fortress-residence of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini in the 15th century. Depending on the schedule, the tour can continue toward the Tiberius Bridge, a majestic structure made of Istrian stone from the 1st century AD, passing by the legendary Cinema Fulgor, a landmark of Fellini’s cinema.

Walking by the archaeological site of the Surgeon’s House, where Roman finds are partially visible from the square, the visit concludes at the Malatesta Temple. This is one of the most representative examples of the Italian Renaissance. Conceived as a pantheon for the Malatesta family by Sigismondo Pandolfo in the 15th century, and designed by masters like Leon Battista Alberti and Agostino di Duccio, it now serves as the city’s Cathedral. Inside, it houses masterpieces by Giotto and Piero della Francesca.

The order of the monuments visited may be adapted based on the needs of the visitors. We assume no responsibility for increases in fees or changes to monument opening hours that may occur during the season.