Places to see
Borgo San Giuliano
The oldest quarter in Rimini, a working-class district tied to the life and work of the sea, with narrow lanes, small houses, taverns and workshops.
Borgo San Giuliano is one of the most distinctive quarters of Rimini; it is the oldest quarter in the city, with records of its existence going back as far as the eleventh century, when it was a working-class district tied to the life and work of the sea, with narrow lanes, small houses, taverns and workshops.
Separated from the historic centre by the Ponte di Tiberio, it is an evocative place that has kept its traditional seafaring atmosphere. Here you can stroll away from the bustle of the city, admire the little houses with colourful façades decorated with murals inspired by Fellini's work and the Borgo's characters, eat in the many traditional restaurants and taverns, and reach the nearby Parco Marecchia or the Porto di Rimini, where the district's residents once carried out their trade.
Good to know
- The murals: one of the main features of Borgo San Giuliano is the murals painted on the façades of the houses. The scenes depicted range from views of seafaring Rimini to the traditional trades of the Borgo's residents, and many are inspired by scenes from the films of Federico Fellini, who loved this corner of the city.
- Federico Fellini had a very strong bond with the Borgo: his films are often inspired by places, characters and stories from the district, where the director would often spend his evenings with friends from the Borgo.
- The Festa de’Borg is the festival that celebrates the history and traditions of the Borgo. Born as an initiative of pride by its residents, it is now a biennial event (the first weekend of September, in even years) that renews the community spirit and conviviality of its residents, filling the lanes with concerts, communal tables and good food, and drawing large numbers of Rimini locals to the celebrations.
Where exactly is Borgo San Giuliano? Is it easy to get to?
It's the part of Rimini beyond the Ponte di Tiberio, on the north bank of the River Marecchia. Basically, you cross that thousand-year-old Roman bridge, and you're in the Borgo. It's a very easy, and very scenic, walk from the historic centre (just a few steps from the Duomo). You can't go wrong, the bridge is impossible to miss!
What's so special about this Borgo? It just looks like a neighbourhood.
It's not just a neighbourhood, it's an experience. It's an old fishermen's quarter, so it has a unique, intimate, close-knit atmosphere. But the real magic is that every house is a work of open-air art. The walls are painted with murals that tell the story of the Borgo and, above all, pay tribute to its most famous resident: Federico Fellini. It's like walking through an open-air museum, only a lot less boring.
Do people still live here, or is it all for tourists?
Of course people still live here! And that's the beauty of it. It's not a film set, it's a real community. You'll find residents sitting outside their doors, chatting, hanging out the washing... It's exactly this mix of tourists with cameras and locals going about their day that makes it feel so authentic and alive.
What's the best time to visit? Day or evening?
Evening, without a doubt! During the day it's lovely and you can see the murals clearly, but in the evening the magic really comes alive. Fairy lights along the lanes, lit windows, and a calmer, quieter mood. Plus, the night-time view of the Ponte di Tiberio lit up from the Borgo is a sight you have to photograph. If you want the right atmosphere, come at aperitivo time (between 18:30 and 19:30).
Is the food good in the Borgo? Any tips on restaurants?
It's the best place to eat in Rimini, trust me. Being an old fishermen's quarter, fish takes centre stage here, cooked the traditional way. Don't expect super-chic restaurants, but proper family-run trattorias. Look for a place with tables out in the lanes and order passatelli in broth or a good fritto misto. You won't regret it.
Do you need to be a Fellini fan to enjoy it?
Not at all! Sure, if you know his films (like Amarcord or La Dolce Vita), you'll immediately recognise the scenes on the murals. But even if you don't know anything about them, you'll still appreciate the imagination, the colours and the stories the drawings tell. It's popular art, accessible to everyone. Let's say Fellini is the excuse, but the real reason you'll fall in love with the place is the atmosphere.
Are there shops, or is it purely residential?
It's not a place for full-on shopping like Viale Ceccarini. You'll mainly find craft workshops, a few artists' studios and small, distinctive souvenir shops. Don't come here to buy clothes, but to find something unique and handmade. It's the ideal place to buy a gift "with a soul".
Is there a particular event or festival that brings the Borgo to life?
Yes! The real festival is the Festa de' Borg, which is usually held every two years, in September (check the exact dates, as it's biennial). It's a spectacular event where the whole quarter comes alive with music, food, shows and fireworks. If you're here at that time, clear your whole diary! It's the very essence of Romagna spirit.
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