The itinerary of the cultural route (source: www.romit.org)
Can you imagine to follow the Roman history through different countries in Europe? The European project ROMIT (Roman itineraries) created a cultural route that gives you the chance to explore our common historical roots by travelling.
With this tourististic itinerary you can take a time travel from Italy to Greece via Germany and Bulgaria to explore archeological sites, museums and parks. One of these regions represents the Emilia-Romagna. Alone from Rimini you can start three routes which you can see here. For furhter informtion about the project please check this website.
Sigismondo Malatesta (source: www.taccuinistorici.it)
Today Rimini is a popular sea side resort. But what about the history of the city? What happened before all the visitors came?
If we take a look back in history to the year 1295, we can find the family of the House of Malatesta which ruled in Rimini up to 1500. Still today we can see historical traces of this family scattered over the old town. If you want to follow the footsteps of this family while strolling thourgh the old tow of Rimini you can click here. You will find various itineries in English that will guide you along the most important monumentens and traces the Malatesta family left in Rimini.
PS: Be attentive of the elephants sculptures and pictures… they seem to be everywhere.
I was suprised to find out that Rimini was very affected because of the two world wars. At first, in the World War I, the city and its infrastructure have represented a target for the Austro-Hungarian navy , while in World War II Rimini suffered heavy bombardments, being captured by Allied Greek and British Commonwealth forces Rimini in World War II after being one of the more difficult battles on the “Gothic Line”.
Soon after, in 1944, an impressive attitude of the citizens led to the reconstuction of the city, which has culminated in the last decades when Rimini became the most important Italian summer destination.
The Arch of Augustus was built 27 before Christ by the decree of the roman senate. It was built to honor Augustus who built the Via Flamina and overhauled the most important streets of Italy. Today the Monument is isolated like a triumphal arch but originally it was part of the city wall and framed by two oler polygonal towers. Until the year 1936 it was used as a city gate. The strange thing about this city gate is that because of it’s length, 9 m, it would not have been possible to close it. The Arch is one of the most famous and important roman monuments of whole North Italy. Also it is one of the oldest, existing Roman arches worldwide.
There are all sorts of great Roman sites in Italy. Rimini, is no exception, having been a very important Roman city, with famous standing monuments such as the Tiberius bridge, and the Arch of Augustus.
Only years ago, the Surgeon´s House, which is the most interesting finds in this archeological area, was opened for the public. The excavation is of a 2nd Century AD Roman residence, beleived to be home to a surgeon. Besides mosaic floors the archeologists found 150 surgical instruments in this excavation. Another nice fact is that the site is situated on the coast which was at that time more than 1 km further in the land than today. So if you need a little historical distraction from the beach, I think it is an interesting visit.
To check entry fees, opening hours and for further information and pictures please click here :
Domus Rimini or EuroMuse, Surgeons House
or
Today, the Tiberius Bridge is one of Rimini’s most important monuments. Even though it is named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius, the construction of the bridge started under Caesar Augustus in 14 AD. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t witness the completion of the bridge anymore. It took seven years until the bridge was completed under the reign of his stepson and successor Tiberius.
Tiberius Bridge, www.comune.rimini.it
What is really amazing is the fact that it is still in use, having survived floods, earthquakes and wars. Today it connects the city centre with the quarter of San Giuliano and has to carry heavy traffic every day. So, if you visit Rimini, you shouldn’t miss crossing the River Marecchia over almost two thousand years of history.
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