Rimini - Nearby Attractions
One of the downsides to the massive success that Rimini has had as a bathing seaside resort, is that it has overshadowed both the historic city of Rimini, and equally importantly the huge number of beautiful towns and sites nearby that are worth visiting. No trip to Rimini is complete without at least some trip into its hinterland, and in fact you could spend weeks travelling from town to town in this rich and beautiful countryside. We've put together some suggestions below, all of which are easily reachable by car, and in some cases by bike or public transport.
San Marino
One of the world's smallest republics, easily visible from Rimini, sitting astride the mountain Titano, San Marino is a member of the Council of Europe (though not the European Union per se). San Marino has the oldest written constitution in the world, and tradition suggests is the oldest surviving constitutional republic, being founded in 301 by Marinus of Rab, fleeing Roman persecution. Today the republic is an intriguing mix of tradition, history, and hi-tech, and can be reached from Rimini in less than an hour.
San Leo
San Leo won its fame in the 10th Century when, Berengar II, the king of Italy, was forced to take refuge in the hill top town from the German Emporor Otto I. The town throughout the middle ages played a vital strategic role, governing the mountain passes leading down from the Marche into Romagna. Later the impressive fortress of San Leo would be converted into an imposing prison, used by the Papal states for important captives like the legendary Cagliostro. Today the town is well preserved and has a wonderfully restored Romanesque church worth visiting
Santarcangelo di Romagna
Santarcangelo di Romagna, founded in Roman times alongside Rimini, is one of the most important towns in the Province outside Rimini. One of the best reasons to visit the town, apart from the numerous festivals and events that take place there, is because it has managed to preserve its medieval and renaissance identity so well. A recognition of Santarcangelo di Romagna's well preserved past was made in 1984 when the town (or officially city, having received the title in 1828 from Pope Leone XII) was officially declared a Città d'Arte (Art City).
Read more about Santarcangelo di Romagna and its attractions here »»
Verucchio
Some of the oldest traces of settled life in Europe, dating back to between the IX and VII centuries B.C were found in and around Verucchio, in the hills above Rimini. The so-called Villanovan Culture, a people who settled the region before the Etruscans, left traces of jewels, tools, and domestic items that are now held in the prestigious Civic Museum. Later the town would be known as the cradle of the Malatesta, as it was from here that the famous family started their conquest of the region. A town full of history and culture, not to mention the wonderful views looking down on to the coast!
Saludecio
Perhaps best known today for its hugely popular week-long summertime festival celebrating life and traditions from the 1800s, Saludecio, one of the principal towns overlooking the Conca river valley, is a thoroughly charming walled hill-top town that could give any of the 'chiantishire' towns of Tuscanny a run for its money in terms of scenery. This part of the Romagna is particularly fertile, with olive groves and vineyards dotting the surrounding countryside, against a backdrop of medieval churches and fortresses.
Montefiore Conca
Dominated by one of the most impressive and severe of the Malatesta castles (that dot the landscape between the Romagna and the Marche), and surrounded by woodlands, Montefiore Conca is one of those towns that when you visit it feels like you've stepped back in time. Regularly listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy, the town is a regular host to various festivals and events including the Sagra della castagna in October (feast of the Chestnuts).
Read more about Montefiore Conca and its attractions here »»
Mondaino
The strategic hill-top town of Mondaino, dominated by its spectacular castle and one of the most beautiful and unusual piazza's in Emilia-Romagna (and perhaps Italy), lies half-way between Rimini and Urbino, on the borders of the province of Rimini and the region of the Marche. Its medieval history festival, the palio de lo Daino is unmissable
Coriano
It's hard to believe, surveying the rich and pleasant countryside that surrounds this medieval town, that in 1944 two bloody battles took place, at Coriano ridge, with thousands of deaths as the Allies sought to push through the German Gothic Line. The allies finally did break through, though a final offensive pushing through Rimini and up through Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy would have to wait for the spring of 1945. Coriano, like other towns in the region has a long and double-edged history, with notable buildings thanks to its strategic importance, but also the poignant and sombre testimony to history that is the allied war cemetry.
Montegridolfo
Montegridolfo is cross between a castle, fortress, and walled town. It's origins are uncertain, but it dates back to at least 1000 A.D. It was situated in a particularly hot spot between the warring Malatesta and Montefeltro families, and was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times in the middle ages, its defences becoming greater each time. It passed hands reflecting power struggles in the region, going from the Malatesta, to the Borgias, to the Venetian Republic, and finally - like most of Romagna - to the Papal states. The town today has notable museums worth visiting, alongside impressive architecture, and some of the best food in the region!
Cesenatico
Cesenatico is one of the most suggestive of the coastal towns in the region. Originally founded in 1302, it was considered part of neighbouring Cesena until granted official independence in the 18th Century. Its defining feature, its port, which today hosts, amongst other events, the beautiful floating crib at Christmas time, was designed by Leonardo Da Vinci. Cesenatico played host to James Stuart, the 'Old Pretender' in 1722, and if that isn't enough to make you curious, be assured that some superb fish restaurants can also be found here, as well as an important maritime museum..
Riccione
Riccione, over the centuries, perhaps suffered due to its proximity to its larger neighbour Rimini. It has, though, over the last century proudly distanced itself from the direct control of Rimini city, and has established itself as a resort in its own right. During the fascist era the Mussolini family had a villa here, where il Duce would come when visiting the seaside. The villa is now restored and open to the public as a museum. Riccione is also home to an impressive aquarium and water park.
The Frasassi Caves
145km from Rimini,in the Marche region, passing through some spectactular countryside, lies the Gola della Rossa e Frasassi nature reserve. The park is a must-see for nature lovers, and plays host to the spectacular Frasassi caves complex - which includes Europes largest single cavern, the Grande Grotto del Vento (into which one could fit Milan's Cathedral).
