Murals of Borgo San Giuliano
Pastel colours, Fellini-like atmosphere, walls that portray the landscapes and the characters of the quarter: the identity of the Borgo is unlike anywhere else in the city, and it is what gives it character and captivates visitors.
Follow their trail through the hidden lanes and little squares and you will discover the unusual, evocative face of the Borgo.
The tradition of decorating the houses of the quarter began during the second Festa de' Borg, in 1980: the first bright colours came to life on the walls, along with murals that told the story of the residents and of the harbour and sea views that shaped their lives.
In 1994, after the death of Federico Fellini, the whole Festa de' Borg was dedicated to the director. For the occasion, painters from Rimini and elsewhere portrayed scenes from his best-known films and unforgettable characters such as Volpina, Scureza, Gelsomina…
The first murals were painted on the oldest and most run-down houses. Some of them have been lost or covered over by later renovation work and now survive only in memory and in old photographs. Many others are still with us, and new ones keep appearing, inspired by the style of the quarter and by Rimini's own dolce vita.
FAQ: Questions about the murals
The first murals appeared 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 whole festival was dedicated to the director. Since then, painters from Rimini and elsewhere have portrayed scenes from his films and unforgettable characters such as Volpina, Scureza and Gelsomina.
The murals are scattered through the lanes of the quarter, with no set route. The most photographed ones are in via Ortaggi, via San Giuliano and the inner squares.
The best way to find them is to lose yourself in the streets: any corner may hide a work. Follow the trail of colour and you will discover the unusual, evocative face of the Borgo.
No, not all of them. The first murals showed everyday life in the quarter: fishermen, boats, views of the harbour and the sea that were at the heart of local life.
From 1994 many artists added works dedicated to Fellini, with characters such as Volpina, Scureza and Gelsomina, and scenes from his best-known films. Today both styles live side by side, creating a unique open-air art gallery.
Yes, absolutely. All the murals are painted on outside walls and can be seen freely from the public streets of the quarter. Access is free 24 hours a day, all year round.
No booking or ticket is needed. Just cross the Tiberius Bridge and start exploring the lanes.