The history of Rimini from Roman times to the XXI century: a historical outline of how Rimini went from being a Roman settlement to becoming the European capital of tourism.
Modern and ancient at the same time, the city of Rimini, main centre of the province that it rules, offers a variety of monuments which tell you about a
glorious past that survives side by side with an ultra-modern tourist organization. It is the ideal holiday destination for those who wish to alternate a relaxing day at the beach followed by the entertainment offered by the sparkling night life with a visit to the artistic treasures passed down century after century. Rimini was funded in 268 BC as a colony ruled by Roman laws. It was a strategic hub for all commercial traffic of the times. In 90 BC it became a Roman town and during the Middle Ages it developed into an independent city-republic. Toward the end of the XIII century the Malatesta Family settled their court in Rimini, from where they ruled their Signory, which soon became a sort of hothouse of art and culture.

This is, in a nutshell, the history of the city, witnessed by glorious monuments such as the Arch of Augustus, the Tiberius Bridge and the Malatestian
Temple. The 30th July, 1843, was another important milestone in Rimini’s modern history, as the first bathing establishment was opened; the Kursaal and the Grand Hotel were to follow some fifty years later, and that was the beginning of a seaside resort. The Italian Ostenda was thus born and it was to become, especially thanks to economical boom of the 60s and 70s, the epitome of a tourist metropolis and the European holiday capital.

The city lives thanks to two thriving pulsing hearts:
The historical center, rich in history and culture, and the beach area, 15km of very fine sand divided into 10 different communities (north to south: Torre Pedrera, Viserba, Viserbella, Rivabella, San Giuliano, Marina Centro, Bellariva, Marabello, Rivazzurra and Miramare), each with its own traditions and typical festivals. Despite the development of tourism in other parts of Italy and Europe which gave birth to many more beach resorts, Rimini still holds the leadership in many different fields related to tourism which make it one of the most renowned and appreciated holiday destinations in Europe. Thanks to a brand new Expo Center and to an utterly varied choice of hotels that make it a point in keeping up with the best international service standards, Rimini is also an ideal destination for business tourism and events such as trade fairs, conventions, conferences, etc.
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Rimini Museums