RIMINI, ITALY

Rimini, "the city of hospitality", "the beach of Europe", "the bathers' Riviera", the "Ostend of Italy": these are some of the names by which this sunny summer town of longstanding holiday traditions is known. It was on July 30, 1843 that two young Rimini aristocrats, Tintori and Baldini, opened the first "Stabilimento dei Bagni". When describing the origins of "taking the waters", Carlo Tonino wrote in 1895 in his Historical Compendium, "Seaside bathing had already become very fashionable and Rimini, because of its location and its fine, high quality sand, was frequented during the summer months by a large number of visitors from nearby and distant cities".

Since then, the Riviera has changed greatly and there are now more than 5,000 hotels, 1,000 restaurants, 150 discotheques, 1,200 bars, 50 museums and 300 sports centers along its 40 kilometers. In addition there are 16 amusement parks – the jewel in the Rivera's crown – which in all gives the highest density of places of entertainment in Italy. Of the theme parks, those deserving of a visit are Italy in Miniature, the original Italian theme... more