10 Things to Do in Rimini When it Rains

A prominent marble structure in the heart of Rimini, the impressive Malatesta Temple is one of the area’s must-see attractions. A cathedral church dedicated to St. Francis, it’s arguably one of the most significant religious buildings in the city. Dating back to the 15th century, the construction of the temple was ordered by former ruler Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and carried out under a number of different architects. It was, however, never completed due to the decline in Malatesta’s popularity.

Admire the striking exterior, then head inside to discover the fascinating blend of Gothic and Renaissance art depicting the history of the church.

Wandering around this vast, roofed food market is an excellent way to while away your time because the friendly stallholders will more than make up for the less-than-inviting weather outside.

Let your senses lead the way as you discover the most delicious local produce, from just-harvested fruit and veg to the finest cuts of meat, succulent seafood caught that day and everything else in between. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and, of course, a freshly-roasted Italian coffee.

Delve into Rimini’s fascinating local history as you explore ancient artefacts and paintings at the superb City Museum of Rimini. The Museo della Città takes you on a journey through the ages, from prehistoric and Roman times to the Renaissance and right through to the modern-day. The Roman section is particularly notable and features a large collection of Roman surgical instruments excavated from a nearby villa.

The villa in question is the Domus del Chirurgo, the archaeological remains of a Roman surgeon’s home. Located just across from the museum itself, it’s possible to buy tickets that include entry into both.

Perched high above the Valley of Marecchia and Uso, Montebello Castle is steeped in history and blessed with unrivalled views of the Italian countryside. But that’s not all… legend has it that the castle is haunted by the ghost of a young albino girl who disappeared from the castle without a trace.

Make the short journey out of the city and visit the castle to discover the full story. Guided tours take place regularly throughout the day and some evenings too. You’ll even get to hear recordings of the ghost, so you can make up your own mind about the spooky goings-on.

Home to over 10,000 marine mammals, the Aquarium of Cattolica is the second largest in Italy and is a great place to escape the rain. Discover the creatures of the deep in the Purple section, the reptiles and creepy crawlies of the Green section and the freshwater residents of the Yellow section. The highlight for many, the Blue section is where you’ll find the playful Humboldt penguins and Italy’s biggest tiger sharks.

More than just your average aquarium, tickets include access to immersive and interactive exhibits, making your day both fun and educational. Be sure not to miss feeding time with the sharks, stingrays, otters and penguins while you’re there.

A huge shopping mall close to Rimini’s centre, Le Befane has over 130 stores for you to enjoy a day of retail therapy and entertainment, all under one roof. On a rainy day, you can take a short bus journey or taxi to the mall and explore the large selection of shops, selling everything from clothing and accessories to technology and homeware, including high street names and luxury brands.

Once you’re done shopping and have worked up an appetite, there are plenty of places to stop by for some food. There’s also a games room and a 12-screen cinema complex. Just remember that return buses finish earlier in the evening if you’re planning on staying late to catch a film.

Often going undiscovered by those visiting Rimini’s historic centre, the impressive Sigismond Castle (Castel Sismondo) lies hidden behind the Teatro Galli and Piazza Cavour. The castle was originally built as a fortress and residence in 1437 by Sigismondo Malatesta. Nowadays, the striking Renaissance building holds conferences, events and guided tours of exhibitions.

The Federico Fellini International Museum is set to open in one of the castle’s annexes soon and will house reconstructed Fellini movie sets created by international artists. There’s also a brand new amphitheatre and bar just outside the castle. It’s always worth seeing what events are taking place here during your visit – just pop into the tourist information office at the train station to find out.

After years of restoration, the iconic Cinema Fulgor raised its curtains once again in January 2018, on the birthday of Federico Fellini. Celebrating the life of the legendary Italian film director, the magnificently ornate picture house is now a functioning cinema once more. Having been the place where Fellini’s love for film was first ignited as a child, it regularly shows his own work as well as modern-day films.

Regardless of what show you get tickets for, the experience is made all the more special as you get to admire the stunning gold and red Art Nouveau interior. If you’re travelling in a group, it’s possible to prearrange a guided tour of the building, too.