San Leo
The province of Rimini: a sun-kissed territory
The province of Rimini is a charming place located in Emilia-Romagna, in central-northern Italy. With a population of over 300,000 people, the province is surrounded by many other cities, including Forlì-Cesena, Pesaro and Urbino, and San Marino, the birthplace of the Italian maritime republics. The resort towns of the Romagna Riviera are what attract most tourists to this beautiful province.
A brief history of the province
The province of Rimini was created in 1992, when it was separated from the province of Forlì-Cesena. The first elections were held in 1995, and the first provincial council was established in the same year. In 2009, the province was expanded, absorbing seven municipalities that were previously part of the province of Pesaro and Urbino: Casteldelci, Maiolo, Novafeltria, Pennabilli, San Leo (Italy), Sant'Agata Feltria and Talamello. After a local referendum, the Italian parliament approved the transfer of the municipalities from the Marche region to Emilia-Romagna. In 2021, after a long parliamentary process, the municipalities of Montecopiolo and Sassofeltrio also became part of the province of Rimini.
Physical geography of the province of Rimini
The Rimini province territory is bordered to the north by the Uso River, which separates it from the province of Forlì-Cesena, and to the south by the Tavollo River, which separates it from the Pesaro-Urbino province. The territory consists of five morphologically and landscape homogeneous areas. The northeastern sector of the province is predominantly agricultural, while the Adriatic coastal stretch is characterized by a long and narrow flat coastal strip, entirely occupied by the coastal conurbation of the Romagna Riviera. The main center of this conurbation is the city of Rimini, which also represents the major hub of communications towards other cities of the Po Valley and the hinterland.
The Romagna Riviera: the pearl of the province of Rimini
The most famous part of the province of Rimini is the Romagna Riviera, a long stretch of coast that extends for 110 km from Cervia to Gabicce Mare. This area of the province has been anchored to the tourist tradition since the '50s and '60s, and currently is one of the most sought-after destinations by Italian and foreign tourists. The Romagna Riviera is famous for its beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a confident and serene climate that characterizes it. The most renowned seaside resorts of the Romagna Riviera are Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica, Bellaria-Igea Marina, Misano Adriatico.
Ca' Raffaello: the Tuscan enclave in the province of Rimini
Not many people know that the province of Rimini also surrounds a small enclave of Tuscan territory, called Ca' Raffaello. Located between the villages of Verghereto and Badia Tedalda, Ca' Raffaello covers only 5 km2 and is inhabited by about 200 people. Bordered by streams and immersed in a splendid valley, Ca' Raffaello is a wonder of nature, situated between the Tuscany region and the Rimini province of Emilia-Romagna.
In conclusion, the province of Rimini is one of the most interesting provinces in Emilia-Romagna with many attractions to offer to tourists and residents. Characterized by an interesting history and breathtaking nature, this province is an ideal place to enjoy holidays or daily life.
