Rimini

Rimini was founded in the mid-3rd century B.C. It was a Roman colony of strategic importance, because of its location at the junction of the Flaminian and Aemilian Ways. Ariminum, as it was known, came under Byzantine rule and was a member of the Italian Pentapolis. The city was included in Pepin the Short's donation to the popes in 754. The Malatesta family seized power in Rimini in the 13th century and later conquered neighboring cities. Francesca da Rimini married a Malatesta in the 13th century and gave the city its name. In 1509 Rimini passed under papal control.

Apart from its marvelous beaches, there are several interesting sights in Rimini. The Tempio Malatestiano is a church that was built in the 13th century by Alberti to honor his wife Isotta. It was renovated by Sigismondo Malatesta around 1450. The building is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. Also in Rimini is the Arch of Augustus, which dates from 27 B.C. and the Bridge of Tiberius, which was completed in 21 A.D.

Rimini is a highly diversified industrial, commercial and railroad center in Emilia-Romagna on northern Italy's Adriatic coast. Tourism is extremely important and there are countless hotels and restaurants in town. Rimini is 240 km north of Roma (Rome).