Page 242 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

240 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

rough­hewn Castel Sismondo, started
by Sigismondo in 1437, stands in
Piazza Malatesta and provides a striking
space for summer art exhibitions.
ª Head inland on Via Marecchiese,
turn right on SS16 and left on SS9
to Santarcangelo. Park in Via
Federico Montevecchi.
2 Santarcangelo di Romagna
Rimini, Emilia-Romagna; 47822
Above Picturesque countryside enroute to Set on a small hill in the coastal plain,
San Merino Below Torre dell’Orologico in 1 Rimini Santarcangelo offers a pleasant break
Piazza Tre Martiri, Rimini Emilia-Romagna; 47921 from the beach culture of Rimini.
A busy seaside town, Rimini is the Dominated by the Rocca Malatestiana
most popular resort on the Adriatic. and Monastery, this medieval town
But alongside the nightclubs, there is sits on a mass of catacombs dating
an interesting mix of Roman and back to early Christian times. Visit
WHERE TO STAY
Renaissance architecture. The Piazza the Tourist Centre (Via C Battisti 5; www.
RIMINI Tre Martiri is the former Roman forum, iatsantarcangelo.com) for tickets to the
Savoia Hotel Rimini moderate where Julius Caesar addressed his catacombs. Wear something warm,
This contemporary hotel is right on troops before advancing on Rome in as it is chilly underground. Many of
the beach and has great views. Good 49 BC. Nearby, in Via IV Novembre, is the town’s pleasant buildings are
for a swim and evening promenade. the beautiful Tempio Malatestiana adorned by plaques bearing poems,
Viale Lungomare Murri 13, 47921; 0541
396 600; www.starwoodhotels.com (open daily), with its unfinished façade. a custom initiated by poet, screen
This was commissioned in 1450 by writer and local, Tonnino Guerra.
Grand Hotel Rimini expensive
Splendid “beau monde” hotel made the tyrant Sigismondo Malatesta, who ª Take SP14 west to Ponte Verucchio.
famous by Fellini. Enjoy la dolce vita at had his and his wife Isotta’s initials Cross River Marecchia, then follow signs
the beach in luxury and elegance. carved in the roundels. to Verucchio. There is plenty of parking.
Parco Federico Fellini 1, 47921; 0541 North and south of the old town lie
560 000; www.grandhotelrimini.com two impressive Roman remains. The 3 Verucchio
THE REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO Ponte di Tiberio (AD 14–21), built Rimini, Emilia-Romagna; 47826
Hotel Cesare moderate from Istrian stone, is a fine example A key defensive post in pre­Roman
Small modern hotel in a good central of Roman engineering. On the south­ times, Verucchio was the site of Iron­
position with easy access to town. ern side of town, the Arco di Augusto age settlements in the 8th century BC.
Salita alla Rocca 7, 47890; (AD 27) shows Rimini’s importance of Locally discovered artifacts can be seen
0549 992 355; www.hotelcesare.com
in Roman times. (The battle ments in the Museo Civico Archeologico. The
Hotel Titano moderate were added in the Middle Ages.) town is topped by an imposing rocca
With great views from the top floors, this Piazza Cavour is the Renaissance hub built by Malatesta in the 13th century.
central hotel is a good base to explore
town. Ask about parking when booking. of Rimini, with its palazzos, fountain ª Take SP 32 to San Marino “Centro”.
Contrada del Collegio 31, 47890; and statue of Pope Paul V. The Use top car park P7, Cava degli Umbri.
0549 991 007; www.hoteltitano.com
4 The Republic of San Marino
Repubblica di San Marino (RSM); 47890
The world’s oldest republic is perched on top of the cliffs of Monte Titano
and maintains its own army, mint and parliament. With a population
of 32,000, it is effectively a part of Italy despite its independent status.
The United Nations gave San Marino World Heritage Status in 2008.

A two-hour walking tour Second Tower (Cesta) was built in the
From the car park, walk past tennis 13th century on the remains of a
courts to Via della Fratta. On the right Roman fortress. It is at the highest
is a stone path (Salita alla Cesta) up point of Monte Titano and houses an
to the Second Tower 1 (entry fee – armoury museum with exhilarating
covers all towers). To the right is the views – not recommended for vertigo
pleasant Parco Naturals and the Third sufferers. It’s a testament to their skills
Tower (Montale), a former prison and that the medieval masons managed
lookout, is visible to the south. The to create such elegant stonework on
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

240-245_Back_Roads_Northern_Italy.indd 240 21/09/17 11:19 am
Back Roads LAYERS PRINTED:
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Date 02 November 2009
Size 145mm x 217mm
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