Visiting Rimini is always a surprise—this city is rich in art, history, and unique emotions. Among the many artists who have drawn inspiration from its streets, Agim Sulaj stands out for his poetic and dreamlike way of portraying the city.
Let’s discover with him what to see in Rimini through some of the must-visit places connected to his art. His works enrich the colorful Borgo San Giuliano, the riverside walk along the Marecchia Canal, and the artistic routes dedicated to Federico Fellini.
Agim Sulaj: The Painter with a Suitcase
Sulaj is internationally known for his hyperrealistic paintings and satirical illustrations that deal with themes such as immigration, the environment, and memory. Born in Tirana, Albania, in 1960, and raised in the port city of Vlorë, he developed a strong passion for painting from a young age, inspired by the landscapes and atmosphere of his homeland.
After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana, he began working with satirical magazines, specializing in drawings filled with irony and social commentary. In 1993, he exhibited his work in Italy for the first time, at the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples in Rimini.
He later chose Rimini as his new home—a place that has given him endless inspiration and a deep connection.
One of the first works with which Agim Sulaj paid tribute to Federico Fellini, the renowned director born in Rimini.
Sulaj and the Magic of Fellini
“One summer in August, I was thirteen, in Albania.
‘This movie isn’t for you,’ my father said, pushing me out of the living room and closing the door. But I crouched in the hallway, peeking through the keyhole. The TV was right in front of me. In Vlorë, we only picked up Italy’s RAI channel—strictly forbidden under the regime. And that’s how Amarcord by Federico Fellini entered my life.
I never imagined that one day I would live in Rimini, the city of Fellini, the ‘village’ from Amarcord. And now that I reside in Rimini and am an Italian citizen, Amarcord has become a part of my life.
Because it also tells my own ‘amarcord’—my unforgettable memories of childhood and youth in Vlorë, a city like Rimini, lying on the luminous shores of the Adriatic Sea. The same sea that unites and embraces us, and makes me feel like I never really left home.”
Borgo San Giuliano: An Open-Air Museum
We begin exploring Agim Sulaj’s art in Borgo San Giuliano, a historic district of Rimini by the canal, known for its colorful houses and cobbled alleys. The murals here pay tribute to Federico Fellini’s cinematic world, to the city’s seafaring roots, and to powerful social themes.
Among Sulaj’s most iconic works are murals inspired by La Dolce Vita, portraits of Fellini surrounded by his cinematic characters, and scenes from Amarcord, La Strada, and I Vitelloni. Other remarkable works—like The Man with the Suitcase and The Emigrant’s House—portray the drama of migration.
These murals transform the neighborhood into a true artistic path, enchanting visitors and inviting them to rediscover Rimini with fresh eyes.
The artist at work painting his mural “The Man with the Suitcase.”
The Riverside Walk of the Artists: Where Art Meets Nature
Not far from the Borgo, another must-see for art and photography lovers is the Riverside Walk of the Artists (Lungofiume degli Artisti) in San Giuliano Mare, along the Marecchia canal. This pedestrian and cycling path offers a peaceful, authentic view of Rimini—far from the busy tourist spots.
The route follows the cycle path from Piazza della Balena by the sea to Via Coletti. Perfect for a walk among murals that tell the local story and feature the trabucchi—traditional wooden fishing huts on stilts—bringing to life the poetic atmosphere of another era.
The murals depict stories from the past, including the beached sperm whale of 1943, German tourists from the 1960s, and dialect poems capturing seaside memories. Among these, one stands out for its emotional depth: The Boy by the Sea, inspired by Sulaj’s own son.
“Drawn Amarcord”: 65 Small Masterpieces
Agim Sulaj celebrated his connection to Federico Fellini with the exhibition Drawn Amarcord at the Fellini Museum in Rimini. A tribute to the director’s masterpiece that made Rimini famous worldwide, the artist reinterpreted 65 scenes from the film, painting them in oil on canvas and wood.
Through striking colors and cinematic lighting, Sulaj recreates the surreal, nostalgic atmosphere of Fellini’s universe—transforming film into fine art.
Guided Tours with Agim Sulaj: A Unique Way to Experience Rimini
If you’d like to meet Agim Sulaj in person and explore the places that inspire him, VisitRimini offers exclusive guided tours led by the artist himself. These unique experiences take you through Borgo San Giuliano and his murals, along the Marecchia canal artworks, and into hidden corners of the city—while Sulaj shares stories, techniques, and insights behind each creation.
Discovering Rimini through Sulaj’s works is more than a simple city tour. It’s an extraordinary opportunity to experience the city through the eyes of an artist who truly captures its soul.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a Fellini film lover, or just a curious traveler, don’t miss the chance to see Rimini through the lens of Agim Sulaj.
