Borgo San Giuliano and Piazzetta Gabena, Rimini

The Borgo, or district of San Giuliano, dates from the 11th century. From the beginning, it was a small fishing village outside the city walls of Rimini. The Bridge of Tiberius connects the district directly to the Old City center. In the early 20th century, San Giuliano was incorporated into the city itself.

The neighborhood of San Giuliano lies between the River Marecchina and the Canal Rimini, south of the river. The streets are cobbled and narrow. A labyrinth comes to mind. Multi-colored single and two-story houses line the twisting lanes. But what particularly stands out are the murals that cover many of the walls. These colorful scenes tell different stories, projecting different messages.

In the mid-1980s, developers moved to demolish the neighborhood to raise modern, more expensive housing. The Borghigiani activist group resisted change. They publicized the district with a festival called Feast of Borg (Festa de Borg). The Borg has transformed from an impoverished neighborhood into a little pocket of colors and charm. Today is popular with artists, writers, and musicians.

In Gabena Square (Piazzetta Gabena,) there are fantastic murals showing scenes from Fellini's life and films. The visitors can admire a mural painting of Gelsomina, the leading character of Fellini's drama "La Strada" (The Street). She is climbing a pole. Close by is the erotic kiss of "La Dolce Vita" (The Sweet Life). The district is best explored by walking or by bicycle. The Borgo is a town apart, and there are many reasons to visit it.