Rimini in 8½ steps

Rimini is Federico Fellini. Federico Fellini is Rimini.
Nobody better than the great maestro can help visitors discover the city.
So, here’s an itinerary to the places where Fellini spent his youth and that helped to shape his imagination.

District of San Giuliano

San Giuliano is the oldest and most important district in Rimini and was once a working-class area where sailors and seafaring people lived. It has undergone extensive regeneration and in its narrow streets, visitors can now admire wonderful street art and murals inspired by Fellini’s films. The district - or ‘e borg as it is known in local dialect - is the ideal place to wander and maybe stop to eat in one of the local inns; indeed, the maestro himself was one of the district’s greatest admirers.

Malatesta Temple

Designed by Leon Battista Alberti, it boasts a Crucifix by Giotto and a fresco by Piero della Francesca. Fellini used to come here “when nobody else was around: the marble seats were cool, the tombs, bishops and mediaeval knights watching over, protective yet sinister, from the shadows”. Just opposite the cathedral is FeBo, the creative workshop Fellini opened with local artist Demons Bonini.

Monument to Victory

““This is the Monument to Victory, we used to go to see it every day… And I even dreamt about it at night!” reveals Fellini in Amarcord.

Pigna Fountain

Situated in Piazza Cavour, it appears in the film Amarcord (although it had been reconstructed at Cinecittà film studios) in the famous snowball fight scene.

Sismondo Castle

Once the symbol of the power of the Malatesta family, the castle now hosts a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, shows and craft fairs.

Fulgor Cinema

After extensive refurbishment, this historical cinema was been returned to the city of Rimini and its people. It is precisely in this cinema that Fellini saw his first films as a child.
Today, it is home to a museum dedicated to the director, housing many costumes and stills from his films. On the ground floor is the foyer and two cinemas - called “Giulietta” and “Federico” - inspired by 1930s Hollywood style.

The port

The quayside or ‘palata’ is the winter destination for I Vitelloni. Here, visitors can breathe in the air of Amarcord, make out the shapes of the fishing boats and experience timeless emotions.
“Last night, I dreamt of the port of Rimini opening up over a swollen sea that was green and threatening, like a moving field above which dark clouds raced, towards the ground”.

Grand Hotel

For the young Fellini, the Grand Hotel of Rimini was the symbol of luxury and unattainable dreams.
Once he had become a famous and successful director, it was where he stayed when he came to Rimini (usually sleeping in suite 316).
The hotel is immortalised in the legendary film Amarcord.

Monumental Cemetery

We’ve reached the last stop on our tour in the footsteps of Fellini.
The tomb shared by Federico Fellini and Giulietta Masina is located at the entrance to the town’s Monumental Cemetery, to the left of the main gate.
It is adorned by a bronze sculpture of the bow of a ship, created by the famous sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro.

For those holidaying at Valentini Village, a visit to the city of Rimini is a must. We’ll be delighted to advise you on the numerous itineraries you can follow and the many monuments and historical buildings to visit.