Rimini: The Jewel of the Adriatic Coast

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [graht-zee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh/eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vor-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vor-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSono malato
  [soh-no mah-lah-toh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vor-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoy ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [set-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi farmi vedere (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoy fahr-mee veh-deh-reh (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boo-s)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Rimini, known in ancient times as Ariminum, was founded by the Romans in 268 BC as a colony. It was strategically established at the junction of the Via Flaminia, which connected it to Rome, and the Via Aemilia, which led to Piacenza. This prime location made Rimini an essential hub for trade and military operations.

One of Rimini's most significant historical landmarks is the Arch of Augustus, erected in 27 BC. It is the oldest surviving Roman triumphal arch and was built to honor Emperor Augustus. The arch served as the gateway to the city and symbolized the peace and stability brought by Augustus after years of civil war.

During the Middle Ages, Rimini became an important cultural and political center. The city's fortunes were closely tied to the Malatesta family, who ruled Rimini from the late 13th century until the mid-16th century. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, one of the most renowned lords, commissioned the construction of the Tempio Malatestiano, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture designed by Leon Battista Alberti.

The Tempio Malatestiano, also known as the Cathedral of Rimini, is a testament to the city's Renaissance glory. Originally a Gothic church, it was transformed into a Renaissance temple by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta in the mid-15th century. The cathedral is adorned with exquisite sculptures and frescoes by renowned artists such as Piero della Francesca and Agostino di Duccio.

Rimini faced significant challenges during the modern era, including devastation during World War II. The city was heavily bombed, but post-war reconstruction efforts helped restore its historical landmarks and modernize its infrastructure. Today, Rimini is a vibrant blend of ancient history and contemporary culture, attracting millions of tourists annually.

Rimini hosts numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage. The most notable is the 'La Notte Rosa' (The Pink Night), an all-night summer festival that transforms the city with music, performances, and fireworks. Additionally, Rimini's traditional cuisine, featuring dishes like piadina and fresh seafood, reflects its coastal and historical influences.

Rimini is accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI), located just a few kilometers from the city center. Alternatively, you can fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), which is about 120 kilometers away, and then take a train or bus to Rimini. Rimini is well-connected by train; you can take a direct train from major Italian cities like Milan, Florence, and Rome. The city is also accessible by car via the A14 motorway.

Rimini has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trams, operated by Start Romagna. Tickets can be purchased at newsstands, tabacchi shops, or directly from the driver. Taxis are available but can be expensive. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle; Rimini has numerous bike paths and is very bike-friendly. Walking is also an excellent way to explore the city, especially the historic center.

Italy uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Rimini, and most will accept international cards. Be aware that some places may not accept American Express cards.

Rimini is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, there are areas where petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places like the train station and popular beaches. It is advisable to stay vigilant, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. The neighborhoods of Borgo Marina and areas around the train station have higher crime rates, so exercise caution in these locales.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. Rimini has several hospitals and clinics, including the Ospedale Infermi di Rimini, which provides emergency medical care. Pharmacies are widely available and often have a green cross sign. Many pharmacies operate on a rota system for out-of-hours services, so check local listings for the nearest open pharmacy.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly; Italians take pride in their appearance. Avoid overly casual attire when dining out or visiting religious sites. Religion: Do be respectful in churches and religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Don't talk loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Buongiorno' (good morning) or 'Buonasera' (good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines, and do follow the Italian meal structure of antipasto, primo, secondo, and dolce. Don’t rush through meals; dining is a social experience.

To experience Rimini like a local, visit the Mercato Coperto, the city's main market, where you can buy fresh produce, cheese, and local specialties. Take a stroll along the historic Borgo San Giuliano, known for its colorful murals and charming streets. Don't miss the evening passeggiata (leisurely stroll) along Viale Vespucci or the seafront. For a quieter beach experience, head to the beaches of Rimini Nord or the nearby town of Riccione.