subject: All Rimini Attractions [print this page] Rimini is a famous touristic summer site, well-know for its seaside resorts, restaurants, discos and nightlife. Not everybody knows the other side of Rimini, rich in monuments and cultural attractions, which together with the nearby Ravenna, make it interesting also in winter time. Rimini and its sourraundings are a touristic destination for those who want to spend relaxing days, enjoying the artistic beauty of its different historical ages.
Among its treasures, the city boasts many ancient buildings dated back to roman age.
The Augusto Triumphal Arch, built in 27 b.C. To celebrate Cesare Ottaviano Augusto, is the most ancient Roman Arch still standing up; it rises on the cross between Via Flaminia (which went from Rimini to Rome) and Via Emilia.
For many years, people thought that the Augusto Arch was born as a triumphal arch, like those of Tito and Costantino in Rome. The restauration works in 1937-1939 revealed instead that the Arch was an urban door, linked by the sides to the town walls, with two square-shaped towers to protect it in front, of which today ramain only the foundations and other most recent polygonal towers.
As a valuable architectural work, the most important characteristic of this arch is that the barrel vault was too large to contain a door, at least for those ages. The explanation is due to the fact that the policy of the emperor Augusto was turned towards peace (known as Pax Augustea), than it was unuseful a defensive town door.
The Roman Amphitheater dates back to the second century a.C. and it's the only one partially remained in Emilia country; it rose solitary on the seaside, near the river Ausa. It was mostly used for the gladiator exhibitions even if this use didn't last for a long time. In the late Roman Empire the amphitheater was integrated to the town walls, built to resister to the barbarian invasions and it was transformed into a military fortress. Nowadays the amphitheater houses events and shows, a useful cultural and funny alternative to a day spent on the beach or a night in a disco. On thursday, in July and August, guided tours are available. Free tours are also possible.
The Tiberio bridge is one of the most ancient and beautiful monuments of Rimini. Its construction started in 14 a. C. under Augusto reign, and ended in 21 a. C. under Tiberio reign. It is also depicted in the town coat of arms. It's made of Istrian stone like the arch and it has its same sober and harmonic style. The bridge is an example of the building-knowledge of the ancient Romans.
At least but not the last, it's important to remenber other famous Rimini attractions, such as the Malatestian Temple, with the Giotto's Cross, the Malatestian Fortress, the Surgeon House and other Museums. One of this is the Museum of the Federico Fellini Foundation, dedicated to the director's life. Theese reasons make Rimini and its surroundigs an interesting site where discover art and culture.
