For many visitors, the beaches of the Rimini Riviera are the major attraction here, but there are plenty of additional sights of interest in and around the historic city centre. Rimini’s Roman period dates from the 3^rd century BC, and a number of ruins remain from that time. A bit later, in 27 BC, the Arco d'Augusto was erected, and a Roman bridge, Ponte di Tiberio, was constructed in 21 AD. Piazzas lined with historic buildings and nearby ancient villages are also popular with tourists.

Malatesta Temple
Rimini’s most notable historical structure is an important example of Italian Renaissance architecture. The original mediaeval church was later encased in marble. The art treasures housed inside the structure include frescoes by della Francesca, an early 14^th century painting by Giotto and sculptures by Duccio. The temple was condemned by Pope Pius II as a place of devil worship.

Piazza Cavour
This is the city’s main square where you'll see government offices, spaces where locals socialise and where the weekly market is held on Wednesdays. A statue of Pope Paul IV graces the square, as does a mid-16^th century circular Pigna fountain. A number of interesting buildings are located around the piazza such as the 13^th century Palazzo dell'Arengo, the neoclassical Teatro Amintore, the old fish market and the town hall. Castel Sismondo, built in the 15^th century, is located behind the theatre, and is currently used as a venue for cultural events.

Piazza tre Martiri
The site of the Roman Forum from ancient times, this piazza is the location of the 16^th century Tempietto di S Antonio da Padova, and the 16^th century clock tower, known as Torre dell'Orologio in Italian. The clock face dates from the mid-18^th century. A 16^th century column erected in commemoration of Julius Caesar is also found here.

Sant’Agostino Church
The church is an example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and was built in 1247. Its interior features a number of important frescoes and other works of art, and its bell tower stands 55m, making it the tallest structure in Rimini. In the 18^th century, the façade and the interior were modified, and in fact an important 14^th century painting was covered over. The painting was re-discovered after an earthquake that occurred in 1916.

Sant'Arcangelo di Romagna
At the centre of this old village is network of alleyways leading toward the Malatesta Fort that pass through the Porta Cervese and the Piazza delle Monache along the way. Sant’Arcangelo features at least 200 secret grottoes dug in ancient times. Centuries ago, the grottoes were linked, forming a vast warren. Some of these are caves still open to visitors today. The village is noted for its folk traditions, art, crafts, local cuisine and fairs held during the summer.

Viserba
A short four kilometres from Rimini is the old fishing port of Viserba, which is now a popular holiday resort as well. Among the numerous attractions here is the popular them park ‘Italy in Miniature,’ featuring nearly 300 scaled-down reproductions of all regions of the country. Bus number eight operates daily from Rimini’s train station from mid-March through the end of October.

Check out the race car collection in ancient San Marino.The oldest of the European states, and the smallest country in the world is found just 30km from Rimini. San Marino boasts the most comprehensive collection of Ferrari cars in the world. Known as the Collezione Maranello Rosso, these automobiles illustrate the life’s work of Italy’s premier designer and manufacturer of race cars, Enzo Ferrari.

Go on a cycling tour. A number of travel companies operate cycling tours of the Rimini area. If you prefer to hire a bicycle and go out on your own, there are plenty of paths and maps available at the tourist information office. Whether you choose to join a group on an organised tour or head off on your own or with travelling companions, there’s much to see along the coast, in neighbouring towns and in the hills of the surrounding area.

Go sailing. It’s possible to charter either a motorised vessel or a yacht and go for a sunset cruise to see the Rimini Riviera from another perspective. Some of the charters offer organised dolphin sighting tours and others have a focus on food, providing a meal onboard that features freshly-caught fish and seafood.

If you have limited time to see the sights, make sure to go to the Museo delle Culture Extraeuropee. The building housing this museum was the residence of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta in the 15^th century. Today it houses some of the most important archaeological and ethnographic collections in the country. In addition to its materials on Europe, there are exhibits on Africa, Oceania and America before the time of Columbus as well.

Step back in time at the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. One of Rimini’s oldest churches, San Giovanni Battista was built in the 14^th century, and served as home to the Carmelite order until the end of the 18^th century. In the mid-18^th century significant rebuilding and restoration was completed, following the design of Gaetano Cupioli. Inside you’ll find an ornate nave and stuccoes by the artist Antonio Trentanove. Paintings of note can also be found at the main altar and side chapels.

Take time out from the crowds at Il Giardino degli Aromi. Take a walk along via Tempio Malatestiano starting at via Gambalunga toward via IV Novembre, and on your right you’ll pass by some thick, ancient walls. You’ll see a white sign that will direct you to Il Giardino degli Aromi, hidden among the centuries-old houses and palaces. This is a delightful and quiet spot that features a summer-blooming garden and numerous benches where you can relax, read, or just enjoy the peace and quiet.