One of the most magnificent and fascinating buildings of Rimini is the Arengo Palace, which is located in Cavour Square, in the heart of the city.
It was built around 1204, on orders of the Mayor Mario de Carbonesi, and was the seat of the People’s Council of Rimini.
The palace, built in Roman style, with many Gothic elements and battlements, has undergone many renovations over the years, almost to lose its original shape. However, the last renovation’s works have recreated the original appearance of the structure, despite the difficulty in recognizing the original parts.
On the ground floor stand the great gallery and the massive columns, which support an expanse of arches. During medieval period, notaries used to work and administer finances and justice right here. On the first floor, there is a simple and elegant room with a wonderful ornate ceiling and large windows. The bell tower was once used as a prison.
Today the building houses the Museum of Contemporary Art Palazzi dell’Arte Rimini.
