A city both ancient and new, Rimini presents a rather
mottled complexion, with monuments from its very long past
existing alongside a state of the art tourist industry. It's
a splendid way to vacation, with something for everyone; ideal
for individuals or families who wan to alternate relaxing
days on the beach or a nighttime clubbing adventure with a
little exploration of the local heritage and cultural treasures.
The modern city at the seaside with all its extras stands
in sharp contrast to the historical city center which comprises
a number of monuments dating back to Roman times and the Renaissance.
 |
Rimini was founded by the Romans in 268 BC as a strategic
position which soon proved a focal point for commercial traffic.
Near the end of the 13th century, with the rise to power of
the Signoria dei Malatesta (a noble and powerful family),
Rimini was transformed into a breeding ground of culture and
art. On July 30, 1843 the Stabilimento Privilegiato dei
Bagni bathing facility was opened, to be followed 60 years
later by the Grand Hotel. Surrounding the city which
has in 60-70 years become a swimming resort par excellence,
are several splendid Medieval fortified castles such as Verrucchio,
creating a somewhat surrealistic contrast to the ultramodern
theme and water parks and culture centers.
Verucchio
Verucchio's
origins are most ancient. The village is perched atop a rocky
crest which dominates the valley below: a valuable strategic
position which explains its importance throughout history.
It was perhaps at the height of its splendor under the signoria
dei Malatesta, who chose Verucchio for their first step
on the road to power. Verucchio is also the site of a most
important archeological museum containing ruins and artifacts
which illustrate the development of a prehistoric regional
population which inhabited the area during the first Iron
Age.
The Parks
There's
a lot to see and more to do: giant swimming pools with computer-controlled
waves, aqua slides, rubber rafts that brave rapids, haunted
castles, inextricable labyrinths and all manner of natural
and man-made wonders in miniature. The variety of amusement
parks available in the vicinity of Rimini is almost infinite.
The latest in the year 2000 are the Beach Planet, a
gym with sauna, hydromassage as well as field and water sport
facilities, and the Italia in miniatura, with more
than 270 miniature reproductions of Italian architectural
marvels, scaled to one quarter size.
