Free Lions Guide to Rimini and San Marino

England face San Marino on Friday 22nd March at the Serravalle Stadium and, as ever, your FSF Fans’ Embassy team will be in attendance doing their best to help the Three Lions’ travelling support. Our guide encompasses both the city of Rimini and San Marino itself.

• Read the Free Lions Guide to Budva (Montenegro) here.
• Read the Free Lions Guide to Podgorica (Montenegro) here.

INTRODUCTION

Rimini is in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy and is a popular European holiday destination. It offers over 9 miles of beaches with the majority of hotels facing the shore, some having their own private access for residents.  

In WWII, The Battle of Rimini led to extensive damage of the city with most of it reduced to ruins. In the post-war period Rimini has undergone massive reconstruction to transform itself into one of Italy’s leading tourist resorts.  

Central Rimini is small enough to cover on foot and there are plenty of bars and shops which should make for a pleasant stroll.  

To travel between the city centre and the seafront, buses are inexpensive and run on a regular basis. Rented bicycles are also available.  

The Old Town is about a 15 minute walk away from the city centre and is a hub of entertainments with bars, cafes and nightclubs.  

GETTING THERE 

There are no direct flights from the UK to Rimini; the majority of supporters are likely to fly into Bologna and travel on to Rimini either by internal flight, train or bus.  

Airlines that fly direct to Bologna are British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair. A number of airlines that offer indirect flights include KLM, Alitalia and Lufthansa.  

Bologna Airport is approximately 6km from the city centre. You can get to the centre by Aerobus which picks up at the airport and alights at the train station. The journey takes approx 20 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available outside the terminal.   

San Marino is roughly 24km (15 miles) away from Rimini, about 25 minutes heading in a south-westerly direction. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS  

Citizens of EU countries only need a valid, up-to-date passport to enter Italy. It is compulsory to carry some form of photographic ID with you.  

GETTING AROUND 

Most of the hotels are within walking distance of the beach and city centre, but if you want to travel inland or take a trip along the coast, buses run regularly from the train station.  

BY TRAIN   

Rimini’s main train station is located at Piazzale Cesare Battisti, Rimini. Tel +39 892021  

Trains from Bologna, Bari and Ravenna stop at Rimini’s main station.  

Rimini also has four minor stations: Stazione Di Marimare, Stazione Di Viserba, Stazione Di Torre Pedrere and Stazione Rimini Fiera. If you are travelling to/from any other region of Italy, make sure you have the correct station for departure.   

BY CAR  

The A14 runs from Bologna through to Rimini, Ancona, Bari and finishing in Taranto. The A14 is also known as Autostrada Adriatica or Autostrada del Mare, connecting the north and south of Italy. At the time of research (Jan 2013) work was ongoing on the construction of a third lane between Rimini Nord – Cattolica and an area of Le Marche.  

IN THE CITY

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

• The Tiberius Bridge, also known as Ponte d’Augusto e Tiberio is the main landmark in Rimini. The Roman structure marks the beginning of the Aemilian Way.  
• Another Roman Structure worth seeing is the Augustus Arch, built to celebrate the Roman Emperor it was named after.  
• The FedericoFelliniMuseum (Museo Fellini) covers every aspect relating to the film maker’s life and career; located on Via Clemantini 2, Rimini 
• Chies Di San Agostino E San Giovanni Evangelista, Via  Cairoli, – One of Rimini’s most ancient churches, although a large section of the church has had renovation work over the years the bell tower is in its original state.  
• Italy in Miniature, Via Popilia, Viserba do Rimini – One of the most popular theme parks in Italy with plenty of attractions. Over 270 to-scale reproductions of Italy’s most famous buildings and landmarks as well as a science fun park and water rides. Open 09:00 – 17:00.  
• Piazza Tre Martiri. Corso d’Augusto. This public square us where Caesar addressed his soldiers shortly before leading them on to conquer Rome.  

EATING AND DRINKING 

As Rimini is on the coast, expect an abundance of seafood restaurants. Don’t worry if seafood isn’t your thing, there are numerous other eateries available including steakhouses and restaurants offering traditional Italian cuisine.  

Don’t be surprised if you find many of the bars and shops on the marina side of town closed as it is the close of the holiday season. After saying that, there are still plenty open in the city centre but don’t expect nightclubs to be open all night – with so few tourists at this time of year they may not open and if they do, they will certainly close early. 

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Italy’s international dialling code is +39  

Rimini’s area dialling code is 0541   

TOURIST OFFICE 

• Rimini Marina Centro (beach area), Pizzzale Fellini 3. Tel: +39 (0)541 56902 
• Rimini Centro Città by Stazione FFSS (Old Town railway station), Piazzale Cesare Battisti 1. Tel: +39 (0)541 51331. Open Mon – Sat 10:00am – 16:00pm  

HOSPITAL  

• The main infirmary is located on Viale Luigi Settembrini.   
• An emergency doctor can be reached on +800 11680  

EMERGENCY NUMBERS  

Police 113, Fire 115, Ambulance 118  

POST OFFICE  

The main post office is on Corso d’Augusto  

WEATHER  

Spring in Rimini is usually mild and sunny but it won’t be the type of temperatures where you can spend the day swimming in the sea. Expect highs of around 13˚C (55˚F) and lows of around 4˚C (39˚F)  

ELECTRICTY 

Local voltage is 220/50Hz. Continental round two-pin adaptors must be used.  

MONEY

The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). 1€ = 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and €1 and €2. Notes are in denominations of €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500.  

Credit cards. There are an abundance of ATMs throughout the city and at main transit points such as the airport and the train station.  Most places take major credit cards but do check beforehand if this is how you intend to pay. There may be a surcharge depending on which card you use and you may also incur transaction fees for withdrawals from ATMs.  

Banking hours vary but are generally Mon – Fri 8am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3 pm with one late evening in the week. Banks in the city centre are likely to open throughout the day.  

The larger banks offer an exchange service with reasonable rates. Outside banking hours you can exchange currency at the main post office. 

ID  

It’s a general requirement to be able to identify yourself to the police or other authorities when requested. To avoid carrying your passport everywhere, with the risk of losing it, a photocopy of the details page will usually do, especially accompanied by other photo ID such as a driving licence.  

REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO

STADIUM – STADIO OLIMPICO  

Stadio Olimpico is located in Serrevalle, a suburb of San Marino. The stadium is home to the San Marino national team and local club San Marino Calcio who currently play in Lega Pro Prima Divisione A. They were promoted last season (2011-12) after finishing 2^nd in Seconda Divisione.  The compact stadium was constructed in 1969 and is completely seated with a capacity of 7,000. 

MATCHDAY INFO  

THE FSF FANS’ EMBASSY will be operating in Rimini on the afternoon of Thursday, 21st March, and from 10:00am on Friday, 22nd March. We will be based in Piazza Tripoli/Piazza Marvelli (round the corner from the Rose and Crown). Later on Friday afternoon, we will also be based outside the stadium in San Marino.

The Fans’ Embassy is also available via the helpline on +44 7956 121314

At the current time, arrangements for early access to the stadium for the purpose of displaying flags has not been finalised. Contact the Fans’ Embassy for up-to-date information, either in person or via the helpline number above. 

ENGLANDFANSREPRESENTATIVES  will be at the stadium from 12 noon until 8pm on the day of the game. The collection point for tickets will be the sports hall next to the stadium and you will need ID with you – either your membership card or your passport. You will only be allowed to pick your own ticket up, no third-party pick-ups allowed. The stadium address is Via Rancaglia, San Marino. 

Photo ID will also be required to enter the stadium so keep your membership card or passport with you. 

England fans will be based in sections E-I in the South Stand and block C in the Main Stand. 

The stadium gates will open at 7:00pm, 2 hours before kick off. 

The Head of the Gendarmerie in San Marino also sent us the below files which match-going fans might like to read:

• A list of objects which are prohibited from the stadium here (jpeg)…
• Code of conduct and rules of access to the stadium here (Word)…

GETTING TO THE GROUND / IN THE CITY

TRANSPORT  

Public transport is limited to buses and taxis. There is a regular bus service between Rimini and San Marino during the day but not in the evening.

A shuttle bus service from Rimini will be provided before and after the game. The cost will be €15 per person – return. Details of timetable and booking can be made at http://www.drpixelweb.com/benedettini/index.htm. Alternatively, some England fans are making their own arrangements and have arranged coaches back to Rimini. Details of availability can be obtained from Mark Chapman 07739 116906  

CAR PARKS  

• Car parking for 3-5 hrs is approx €4.50, 6+ hrs €8 
• Bus parking for 4-6 hrs is approx€10, 7+ hrs €20 
• The rates apply to all car parks in San Marino

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

• Maranello Rosso Museums (Ferrari & Abarth Museums) – Strada dei Censitti 21, Falciano, Serravalle. A must for car enthusiasts with over 25 Ferrari and 40 GT, Sport, Rally and Formula cars.  
• Torture Musem – for the morbid or curious, an exhibition of over 100 torture instruments. Next to Porta San Francesco, Historical Centre, Cittá di San Marino.  
• Kart Legend –Via dei Censiti, Rovereta, Serravalle. An indoor kart circuit with a pub, disco, restaurant and paintballing is also available. www.kartlegend.com  
• Rose N Bowl – Strada Bulumina 3, Serravalle. Not only bowling alley but also billiard tables, video games, giant screen, live music on Friday and karaoke on Wed, and an English pub.  
• The OldTown – has plenty of shops offering a wide range of goods.  
• San Marino Factory Outlet – Highway A14, exit Rimini Sud, Strada dei Censiti 1, Rovereta, San Marino. A chance to stock up on designer Italian labels or wines.  

GENERAL

MONEY  

Despite San Marino not being a European Union member, it is allowed to use the Euro as its currency.  

BRITISH EMBASSY  

There is no British Consulate in San Marino. The nearest British diplomatic office is in Rome.  

British Embassy, Via XX Setembre 80a, 1-00187 Rome. Tel: (+39) 06 4220 0001. Office hours (local time) Monday & Friday 09:00-14:00, Tuesday & Thursday 09:00-15:30, closed Wednesday 

HEALTH  

The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not valid in San Marino therefore it is imperative that you have comprehensive travel and medical & health insurance before you travel. The EHIC is valid in Italy.  

EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR SAN MARINO  

• 112/113 Emergency services/gendarmerie  
• 115 Fire department & local police 
• 118 emergency ambulance and medical services  

SECURITY AND SAFETY  

San Marino has a low threat of terrorism but it is still at risk from indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be public areas, including those frequented by expats and travellers.  

Street crime is extremely rare but you should still take the usual precautions.