The territory: Rimini and surroundings
Rimini and its surrounding area can be a wonderful discovery for all visitors. On the one side is the sea with lots of bars and clubs, the beach and endless opportunities to have fun.
On the other, is an ancient history, that from the Romans spans to the Middle Ages, with a fil rouge uniting them both to the beautiful old town centre. We recommend our guests visit key Roman artefacts in Rimini – such as the Arch of Augustus, Tiberius’ Bridge and the Surgeon’s Domus – before moving forward in time to the Middle Ages and the Malatesta Temple and Malatesta Fortress, which has recently been renovated.
Rimini is the birthplace of Federico Fellini and unsurprisingly, the great director’s spirit still lives on in Borgo San Giuliano and at Fellini Museum, inaugurated to mark the centenary of his birth.
For those coming to Rimini on holiday, we recommend not missing the beautiful villages in the inland area around the city, magical places that host historical and cultural re-enactments and with traditions and gastronomy that are popular throughout Italy.
Emotion Bike
E-bikes are the new and radical way to discover and get to know the territory.
Two wheels, 100% eco-friendly and perfect for anyone who wants to have fun.
We accompany you to the tour departure point and bring you back to the hotel when it ends.
Surgeon’s Domus
The area covers a total of 700 m² and includes several constructions, the most interesting of which is the so-called Surgeon’s Domus; the remains of an ancient Roman home dating from the 2nd century AD.
Excavations have also brought to light other important structures, such as the remains of a dwelling from the late Roman Imperial period and traces of an early mediaeval settlement with a large necropolis underneath, highlighting the town’s significant historical stratification.
Of considerable importance is the large number of artefacts and mosaics found inside: being well-preserved they have made it possible to faithfully reconstruct the house and identity of the owner, as well as bringing to light its fascinating history.
Possibly the most exceptional artefacts are a collection of 150 surgical instruments that leave no doubt on the identity of the owner: a doctor called Eutyches. He appears to have been born in the area of Greece and as often happened in ancient times, had learned his trade on the battlefields. In fact, the instruments found were mainly used for bone traumas and wounds, which would seem to imply that Eutyches was a military doctor.
Rimini Municipal Museum
The materials that constitute the museum’s offer are extremely disparate, but on the whole, they all come from the local area.
They result from the Napoleonic “suppressions” of the late 18th century, archaeological finds, either discovered by chance or during established digs, donations or purchases.
Compatibly with the spaces available within the building, the layout of the new museum follows a chronological order with a few partial typological groupings (still life paintings, portraits, emblems, etc.).
Museum Network of Santarcangelo di Romagna
Archaeological History Museum
The museum houses and displays numerous archaeological, artistic, historical and cultural artefacts from the town of Santarcangelo and the surrounding area.
Kilns and the agricultural territory can be found in the archaeological section, which spans from pre-history to the Roman era: amphoras, oil lamps, masonry, ornaments and vases bear witness to the territory’s flourishing production activity. The art section spans the period from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The pieces on display represent interesting aspects on the state of the country and its life, its culture and its religion; important signs of the long history of Santarcangelo.
Museum of the Uses and Customs of the People of Romagna
The Museum of the Uses and Customs of the People of Romagna has artefacts representing the people of a territory so rich in popular traditions: Romagna, in particular the southern part, between the Apennines and the Adriatic coast. The objects and instruments on display, both in indoors and outdoors, encapsulate the history and in a certain respect, the soul of this territory and help visitors to understand the area and daily life in it.
In fact, the museum explains all aspects of its history, culture and popular folk traditions spanning from social life to work life, rituals and symbolism.
Underground Caves
In the eastern part of Giove Mount, on which Santarcangelo stands, there are about 160 caves that boast mysterious origins, a veritable underground city, laid out on three levels.
Button Museum
The first and only Button Museum in Italy which has been open since 2008.
GUIDED TOURS OF SANTARCANGELO ARE AVAILABLE, ASK AT THE HOTEL FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Villa Verucchio Archaeological Museum
In terms of its architectural context, the history of Verucchio Museum began a long time ago. Leaving the fortress and then descending Via S. Andrea, after crossing one of the quarters of the ancient structures, visitors reach a small street that, after just a short while, leads to the church of St Augustine.
Dating from the 14th century, it has undergone significant transformation; the clearest remains date from the Baroque period (16th and 17th-century stuccos and paintings). In ancient times, the bones of Blessed Gregory (1225-1343) were housed here; one of four natives of Verucchio beatified by Pope Ganganelli (1769), who was born in Santarcangelo, many centuries after the religion first documented here in 1387.
The Napoleonic era led to the suppression, towards the end of the 18th century, of all convents and monasteries in Romagna. None of the numerous Benedictine monasteries in the Rimini area were rebuilt during the restoration period because all monastic buildings had been quickly demolished or radically transformed and their ornaments and furnishings either sold or destroyed.
Having previously flourished, many other orders also failed to return to the territory. These included the Augustinians friars who had a large church in the town, next to which they were rebuilding an imposing monastery in the years when the Napoleonic armies were invading the legations. However, the Augustinian monastery and church were saved in Verucchio and are located in a splendid panoramic position, at the limit of the rock on which the town stands. Recently restored, the monastery is now owned by the town council and hosts the Villanovan Archaeological Museum, which integrates perfectly with its precious architectural container.
Following significant restoration of the building, Verucchio Museum was inaugurated in 1985 and initially housed artefacts found on archaeological digs carried out by Gino Vinicio Gentili in the necropolises of the Moroni estate.
The museum’s research and display initiatives were consolidated thanks to the Archaeological Heritage Department of Emilia Romagna, working in collaboration with the Municipality of Verucchio and Rimini-based SCM Group.
Thanks to this synergy, in 1994 the museum was able to host the important exhibition “Il dono delle Eliadi” (The Gift of the Eliade), which was hosted in Verucchio from July to December before moving to the Archaeological Museum of Bologna in April 1995. Since 15 July 1995, the museum has had a new layout that covers the ground floor and part of the basement following a chronological-theme itinerary that, in the near future, will lead to the definitive exhibition layout of all the rooms and the hosting of new exhibitions.
'Tonino Guerra' Association Pennabilli
The world of Tonino Guerra is the name the poet chose to describe the space that hosts his artistic work. It is undoubtedly a museum space, but that goes beyond the mere idea of a museum, as it intends to be a living space where people can meet, debate and work.
Unsurprisingly, the building is also the seat of the cultural association bearing his name, which was set up in 2005 thanks to an initiative of its founders.
The seat, in Via dei Fossi, is housed in the basement of the 13th-century Oratory of Santa Maria della Misericordia.
As well as being a museum space, it is the place chosen by the poet to present his works, where he held lessons on writing screenplays, staged his Theatre of Reading, met students and thanks to the archive and video, photograph and book library it houses, offers an opportunity learn more about his work and the context into which he was born and grew up.
The association offers a varied cultural programme and by raising awareness of the art of Tonino Guerra, also promotes the territory of several provinces and regions, working with the local institutions, bodies and associations that operate on them, with cultural repercussions that spread to Europe and throughout the world.
This is not only a cultural and artistic opportunity, but also a significant tourism opportunity that can be a driving force for the cultural and economic development of a territory that already has many attractions.
San Leo Fortress Museum
Now transformed into a museum, the fortress is primarily a significant testament to military architecture. Given its dominant position and its unusual geographic conformation, featuring rock faces that fall perpendicularly to the valley floor, the mount on which San Leo stands has always been a natural fortress.
Aware of this aptitude, the Romans built the first fortification here whilst during the Middle Ages, it was fought over by the Byzantines, the Goths, the Lombards and the Franks.
Small Fishing and Shell Museum
The museum, which was founded thanks to the work and commitment of “E’ Scaion” Cultural Association (which means “iron for clams” in local dialect), houses two important collections that are reflected in the exhibition layout: a shell collection and a collection of fishing equipment.
Equally interesting is the archive of period photographs and film clips that, along with the flat-bottom boats and objects located outside, reconstruct and portray the life of this small town which, from being a fishermen’s village, gradually grew into a seaside resort, without destroying or deleting its popular roots, but rather always looking to the sea as its main source of sustenance and social and cultural growth.
San Marino
San Marino: the oldest Republic in Europe is much more than history.
Events, food fairs, sports competitions and events, music and theatre are part of a series of offers that can ensure visitors experience new emotions, in the context of one of the world’s most fascinating tourist destinations.
From shopping to cultural events, including the re-enactments key historical feats, there are a thousand different reasons for visiting San Marino.
Follow “Visit San Marino” on the official website and social media channels: it will be our pleasure to keep you promptly advise you and keep you up-to-date on all events thanks to direct collaboration with the San Marino State Tourism Department.
Gradara
Discover the splendid castle and hamlet of Gradara, backdrop for the love story between Paolo and Francesca. Here you can read the history of Gradara and see the gallery, with photos and videos of the fortress and village.
A few kilometres from the Riviera of Romagna, in the enchanting mediaeval setting of the hamlet of Gradara, cultural events await, such as “Storming the Castle”, “Gradara to Love” and “Christmas Castle”, as well as food fairs and exhibitions. You’ll find all typical restaurants, accommodation and rooms for rent, wine cellars, inns and lots more beside…
Montebello Castle
After leaving the coast of Romagna behind, just climb one of the many hills in the inland area of Rimini to find a little peace and quiet.
Standing at 436 metres, Montebello dominates the Marecchia and Uso Valleys, offering even the most demanding visitor a fascinating glimpse into its history, art and nature.
Once the setting for bloody battles, the imposing fortress now offers breath-taking views; marked by an ancient history, it guides us to the discovery of its hidden treasures and mysteries.