Rimini is a city of villages because its beauty and essence can be found in its four historic “village” neighbourhoods, which are just waiting to be explored. The locals refer to these neighbourhoods as borghi (villages), but they are essentially city districts that have developed unique features over the centuries and can be found just outside the city walls. The city is home to four of these districts in total: Borgo San Giuliano, Borgo San Giovanni, Borgo Sant’Andrea (or Borgo Mazzini) and Borgo Marina, and they are all worth a visit.
The best known district is Borgo San Giuliano, connected to the city by the Tiberius Bridge. This small district – now home to a number of wineries and restaurants – was once a humble fishermen’s quarter and offers an exciting glimpse into the past and a total immersion in Fellini’s Rimini. Noteworthy are a beautiful Renaissance church, and the labyrinth of streets that host truly fantastic street art works.
The second district worth a visit is the charming Borgo San Giovanni. Sitting just outside the largest entrance to the city (where you’ll spot the majestic Arco d’Augusto), this neighbourhood historically developed around the end stretch of the Via Flaminia, and remnants of its past remain to this day, such as its lively and welcoming streets packed with bars and quaint shops.
Outside the city walls (near Porta Montanara) is where you’ll also find Borgo Sant’Andrea. This district was once home to the Foro Boario and is now a beautiful neighbourhood lined with beautiful green parks. The long road to Covignano also begins here and runs from the old town into the hills, offering splendid views of the Adriatic along the way.
The fourth and final neighbourhood is Borgo Marina. It was once known as Borgo dei Marinai and directly overlooks the port just outside the medieval Porta Galliana. Heavily bombed during the Second World War, today, not much of its past remains. However, it is home to the city’s most diverse community, imbuing the area with an open, colourful character that is typical of border and seaside towns.
The heart of Rimini also beats in its neighbourhoods along the coast. What used to be called ‘quarters’ are now quartieri del mare (sea districts), which with the Parco del Mare will all be linked together. A green area equipped for sport and wellbeing that will unite the entire coastline: from Torre Pedrera with its urban salons to Viserbella with the E’scaion Museum (Maritime Museum), from Viserba with its pretty and lively centre to Rivabella with its new promenade close to the beach, from San Giuliano Mare with its dockyard to Marina Centro, from Bellariva with its waterfront clubs to Marebello, Rivazzurra and Miramare with their nightlife.
