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Art and culture in the Province of Rimini
The province of Rimini extends along the Adriatic Coast of Emilia-Romagna and is a renowned area as far as both entertainment and culture are concerned. During the northern expansion of the Roman Empire, the city of Rimini, which has been settled since the Palaeolithic, became a powerful and strategic centre thanks to its harbour and the lines of communication which crossed the city. There are many evidences dating back to the Roman Empire, ranging from the Tiberius Bridge to the Augustus Arch which was the original entrance to the city, from the ancient domus to the well-preserved city walls.
The domination of the powerful Maltesta family from the nearby Verucchio began in the Middle Ages. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta commissioned the building of the Tempio Malatestiano (Malatesta Temple), designed in 1405 by Leon Battista Alberti and built along a major road. Not to be missed is the small temple by Bramante, situated in piazza Tre Martiri, where Saint Antonio of Padua is said to have performed the miracle of the mule.
The residence of the Lord is an impressive building known as Sismondo Castle. It was built to suit celebration needs but then turned into a pontifical fortress and was retrenched.
In the '60s and '70s, Rimini and the nearby village of San Giuliano were celebrated by the films of the most famous inhabitant of Rimini, Federico Fellini.
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Riccione is as ancient as Rimini, as evidenced by the finds came out from the archaeological excavations and cherished by the Museum of the City. An important architectonic and historic site is linked to the Signoria which settled there during the Middle Ages, the Agolanti family. The remains of the ancient castle of the Agolanti are situated on the hills behind the city.
The Apennines host many important historic centres. Not to be missed is the ancient Verucchio, where the excavations unhearted tombs, weapons, jewellery and coins linked to the Villanovan, Etruscan and Roman peoples. These finds are cherished by the Municipal Archaeological Museum in Verucchio, situated in the monastery of the Austin Friars.
Other interesting highlights are the Rocca Malatestiana (Malatesta Fortress), built in the XIIth century, one of the largest and best-preserved in the area, the Rocca del Passerello, with its enchanting original door which led to the town along the so-called San Giorgio walls, and the Romanesque Parish Church dating back to 990 A.D.
Other traditional tourist meccas are Mondaino, Saludecio, Montefiore and Montegridolfo, overlooking the Conca Valley, which are ideal sceneries to host Medieval commemorations or folk festivals thanks to their privileged position and Medieval layout.
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