Open Conference Systems

THE CITY

Rimini and its surroundings, one of the most important holiday resorts in Europe, are closely located to places of art and business centres in Emilia-Romagna and in the neighbouring regions: Marche, Tuscany and Umbria.

Ancient Rimini

The first bathing establishment was built in 1843. Since then, Rimini has been the principal summer resort on the Adriatic Coast and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Italy. Rimini is also a city of notable historical interest. In 390 B.C., Rimini was occupied by the Senone Gauls who established a workshop to coin their own currency. In 295 B.C. the Romans arrived and founded a real colony in 286, Ariminum, that aquired strategic importance. It became a crucial junction for communications; a starting point for the Flaminian Way leading to Rome (220 B.C.), the Emilian Way toward Piacenza (197 B.C.) and the Popilian Way toward Aquileia (132 B.C.). Caesar passed by after crossing the Rubicon (50 B.C.). Also Emperor Augustus (9 B.C.) came this way and had the bridge over the River Marecchia built. The same bridge was later completed by Tiberius, who gave it its name. It was, in fact, to honour Augustus that the people of Rimini erected the famous arch, doorway to the city. After the barbarian invasions Rimini enjoyed a golden age in the 13th century, when it became an indipendent municipality. New constructions such as Palazzo dell'Arengo (1204), Palazzo del Podestà (1330) and new city walls were added to the city. An important school of painting developed, due in part to the presence of Giotto. In 1295 the Malatesta name appeared and belonged to a family that was not only concerned with warfare but was also a patron of art. They beautified the city with works like: the Malatesta Temple, the principle example of Renaissance architecture, and Sismondo Castle. Malatesta Tour During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the “Signoria” (Seignory) of the Malatesta family - which left its mark on Italian history along with other important families of the time, including the Medici, D'Este, Gonzaga, Borgia, and Montefeltro families - was one of the most important seignories in Italy. The land that once belonged to the them is delimited by two valleys, the Valle del Marecchia or Valmarecchia and the Valle del Conca or Valconca. In between the two lies the smaller valley of the little Marano River. You can find out more about the many attractions of the area by visiting the website http://www.signoriadeimalatesta.it/ (descriptions in English and Italian) Most of the vestiges of the past are now kept in the City Museum which contains more than 1500 works from the geological development to nowadays. In Ferrari square, near the City Museum, a house from the Roman period called the Surgeon’s House has been recently brought to light. A small Pompei with splendid mosaics which has already become famous in the world owing to its unique archaeological finds. Here archaeologists have found one of the richest surgical and pharmaceutical equipment of the ancient time.

Modern Rimini - UNIVERSITY

Situated in Via Angherà 22, in the old town centre beats the Riminese heart of the University of Bologna with 8 faculties (Economics, Arts and Humanities, Industrial Chemistry, Pharmacy, Statistical Science and Medicine, Education Science and Exercise and Sport Sciences), 20 degree courses (including Tourism Economics) and Master courses, frequented by more than 5,000 students from all over Italy (Secretary’s office tel. 0541.434157).

EXHIBITION CENTRE - Rimini Fiera

127,000 sq m, 12 exhibition pavilions, a huge event dedicated to well being and health. Other exhibitions open to the public include Mondo Natura (in September) or Ecomondo (in November).

THE THERMAL SPA - Rimini Terme

For all those who want to combine a holiday and well being here is Riminiterme (tel. 0541.424011) that overlooks the free beach in Miramare. This modern structure is open all year and offers relaxation and therapeutic cures for bone and respiratory ailments as well as a beauty programme that includes saunas, whirlpools, mud-therapy, massages and water-gym. Inside the spa there are 4 pools and a huge gym all of which offer spectacular sea views.

THEME PARKS

From a journey through wonderful scale architectural reproductions in Italy in Miniature (tel. 0541.732004) to the magic of Merlin the Magician in Fiabilandia (tel. 0541.372064) and the acrobatics performed by the friendly dolphins at Rimini Dolphinarium (tel. 0541.50298) great fun is guaranteed in Rimini’s theme parks.

ABOUT THE FOOD

The basic colors of the cuisine of Romagna include the ruby red of Sangiovese wine, the blue of certain Adriatic fish, and the gold of the milled grain so indispensable to the making of what serves as daily bread in Rimini: piadina. These ingredients are at the heart of a great festival that takes place all over Rimini - day and night, 365 days a year - in kiosks that dot the streets and in restaurants along the beaches, in osterie and chic restaurants and in the piadinerie you will find just about everywhere. It's even possible, nowadays, to find a bit of Romagna flavor for sale on the virtual streets of Internet. The roots of this simple cuisine are to be found deep in the traditions of the coast and of the countryside (a touch of fantasy, however, is never forbidden). The typical antipasto is piadina, a flat bread made from a few humble ingredients (flour, lard, water, and salt) and eaten with cold cuts or, better yet, with squaquerone (a soft cheese that literally melts in your mouth). There are many fish dishes to choose from, as well as a slew of traditional types of pasta, all of which are made from pasta dough that the azdora (dialect for the woman of the house) traditionally rolled out by hand: long thin tagliatelle, stuffed pastas like cappelletti and ravioli, or strozzapreti served with ragù (a meat sauce) or alle vongole (with clams). When it comes to the second course you can choose from grilled meat castrato (castrated ram) is a local favorite or coniglio in porchetta (roast rabbit) served with a side dish of verdure gratinate (vegetables cooked with a bread-crumb and cheese topping), or a plate of rustida (grilled fish), kabobs, or fritti (platters of fried fish or meat). Everything, of course, is sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil from the hills around Rimini (among Italy's most prized oils) and accompanied by ruby-red Sangiovese or white Trebbiano wine, both typical to the area.