Borgo San Giuliano Rimini
The old quarter of sailors and fishermen, with its cobbled lanes, colourful houses and murals that tell stories of everyday life and of famous faces.
A genuine hidden treasure, rich in history, culture and tradition
Today it is a lively place, full of activity and characterful venues, a magical spot where, among lanes and little squares, you find its history and its true nature, made of timeless seafaring traditions and atmosphere.
What to do in the Borgo:
- Wander the lanes: explore the quarter by losing yourself in its alleyways. Discover craft workshops, traditional restaurants and bars, and soak up the authenticity of the place.
- Parco Marecchia: enjoy the wide green spaces and the walking and cycling paths that wind through the park and the area under the Tiberius Bridge. Make the most of the picnic areas, playgrounds for children and the spaces set aside for outdoor sports.
- See the murals: a tour of the murals of the Borgo is an immersion in its history and culture, telling stories of local life through art.
- Floating footbridge: enjoy a unique and striking view of the Tiberius Bridge by crossing the floating footbridge, an experience not to be missed.
- Local food: taste the wide choice of traditional Romagna dishes in the restaurants of the Borgo, which serve specialities based on fresh fish or meat. The atmosphere comes alive at weekends and in the evening, but the quarter welcomes plenty of visitors at lunchtime and for breakfast too.
- Aperitivo: join the people of Rimini for an aperitivo in one of the many bars of the quarter, all easy to reach and ready to give you an authentic experience.
- Sunsets: admire the finest sunsets in Rimini from this area, on the Tiberius Bridge or from the other bridge towards the sea, which looks back at it. A supremely INSTAGRAMMABLE spot for unforgettable photographs.
- Children: the Borgo is also an ideal place to spend time with your children. Thanks to its pedestrian area, wide open spaces and Parco Marecchia, it offers plenty of activities suited to little ones.
- Where to sleep: both Borgo San Giuliano and the city of Rimini offer a wide range of places to stay, able to suit every kind of visitor. From welcoming guest houses steeped in the historic atmosphere of the quarter to modern hotels with sea views.
Borgo San Giuliano is a magical place that deserves a visit. With its old-world charm, authentic atmosphere and rich history, it is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a holiday built around relaxation and culture.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Borgo San Giuliano has ancient roots. It all began around the year 1000, when fishermen and craftsmen built their small houses along the left bank of the canal harbour. That is how a lively, working-class community was born.
In the Middle Ages a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul was founded here. Shortly afterwards the church of San Giuliano Martire became the heart of the quarter. Restored in the 16th century, it now holds masterpieces such as Veronese's The Martyrdom of Saint Julian and the urn with the saint's relics.
In the 15th century a ring of walls was built on the seaward side, of which Porta Gervasona still survives. Over the following centuries the quarter changed face several times, until 1932, when some of the houses near the Tiberius Bridge were demolished.
In the 1970s the Borgo was at risk of disappearing. Its residents fought back, staging the first Festa de' Borg in 1979. The quarter has thrived ever since. The 1980s brought restoration work and the first murals. Then came Fellini, who made it famous, and the restaurants that turned it into a place loved by locals and visitors alike.
The murals are the colourful soul of Borgo San Giuliano. With their pastel tones and Fellini-like atmosphere, they tell stories of the sea, faces from the quarter and memories of times past.
It all started in 1980, during the second Festa de' Borg, when a handful of artists painted boats, fishermen and Rimini scenes on the walls.
In 1994, after the death of Federico Fellini, the festival became a tribute to the director. Painters from Rimini and beyond portrayed scenes from his films and unforgettable characters such as Volpina, Scureza and Gelsomina.
Some of the original works have been lost to restoration work, but many others are still there. And now and then a new one appears. Walking the lanes of the Borgo is like visiting an open-air art gallery.
The Festa de' Borg is the beating heart of the quarter. For three days every corner fills with music, dancing, shows, good food and wine.
It all began in 1979, as a protest against the demolition of the Borgo. The festival returned the following year, and has been held every two years since, on the first weekend of September.
The 2024 edition, titled Taca Biloz, turned the quarter into a giant open-air jukebox to celebrate a hundred years of music in Rimini. Three days of events, concerts, theatre and fireworks. All free to attend.
Every edition has a different theme, but the spirit stays the same: being together and celebrating the soul of the Borgo.
Food is taken seriously here. Expect fresh fish dishes, meat recipes and, of course, piadina romagnola, the local flatbread.
A few addresses worth knowing:
- Retroborgo - catch of the day and a welcoming inner courtyard, with a view of the Tiberius Bridge
- Nud e Crud - filled piadine and Romagna cooking with a modern twist
- Osteria de Borg - meat, fish and wood-fired pizza
- Fradiavolo - Neapolitan pizza a few steps from the Tiberius Bridge
- Osteria l'Angolo Divino - traditional Romagna cooking, vegetarian options too
- La Esse Romagnola - authentic flavours and original ideas
You will also find bars for an aperitivo, street food and artisan ice cream shops, perfect for rounding off the evening.
Some of the old fishermen's houses have become welcoming bed and breakfasts. Here are a few options:
- A Casa da noi - B&B at via Trai 6/8
- I Felliniani - B&B at via San Giuliano 61
- La Dimora del Pataca - holiday home at via Chiavica 13
If there is no room left, you can stay in San Giuliano Mare (a 10-minute walk) or Marina Centro (20 minutes). Both areas have hotels of every kind and let you combine time at the beach with visits to the centre.
Most places stay open through the summer and over holiday periods such as New Year and Easter.
The quarter sits in the heart of Rimini, on the left bank of the canal harbour, linked to the centre by the beautiful Tiberius Bridge.
On foot or by bike - the best choice. The lanes are narrow and quiet. From the centre you only need to cross the bridge to find yourself in the Borgo.
By car - you can leave the car at the Tiberio car park or along viale Matteotti and via Madonna della Scala, then carry on on foot.
By public transport - several bus routes stop in viale Tiberio, a few minutes away on foot.
The Borgo offers far more than its murals. Here is what not to miss:
- Church of San Giuliano Martire - Renaissance and atmospheric, with precious paintings and the saint's urn
- Porta Gervasona - the last trace of the old 15th-century walls
- Canal harbour - perfect for a stroll with a view over the docks
- Parco XXV Aprile - reached via the footbridge beyond the Tiberius Bridge
Between craft shops, wine bars and ice cream parlours, the Borgo is also the right place for a tasty break or a typical souvenir.
Borgo San Giuliano is lovely all year round, but spring and early autumn bring the best light and the most pleasant weather.
It is small, and you can walk across it in a quarter of an hour, but it deserves at least an hour to take in the details. Go early in the morning if you love photography: you will find silent lanes and an authentic mood.
And if you can, come during the Festa de' Borg. Every two years, in September, the quarter bursts with life, music and colour: that is when the Borgo shows its truest self.