I've been visiting Rimini, on Italy's Adriatic coast, on-and-off for ten years. My first visit there was completely by chance, expecting to find a high-rise beach resort monstrosity but in desparate need of a sea breeze, I ventured from nearby Bologna. Arriving, I took a wrong turn, and ended up in the historic town centre, rather than the beach front - a fortuitous move, as otherwise I might have missed the roman ruins, and renaissance buildings that give Rimini its own particular charm. Here's an article I've written which sums up Rimini's dual personality from a historical perspective: Who knows what Sigismondo Malatesta, the famous 15th Century Lord of Rimini(and original 'renaissance man', as described by American poet Ezra Pound), would make of his city were he to return today. Apart from the obvious differences
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