Murales del Borgo San Giuliano in Rimini, Italy

Founded around the year 1000, Borgo San Giuliano, was originally the city’s fishermen’s quarter.  

The tradition of painting murals that has made Borgo San Giuliano famous has deep roots.  In 1979, the city council suggested demolishing the neighborhood to make way for a new residential development.  In response, locals organised the first “Festa de’ Borg” to celebrate, promote, and defend their identity.

Several Rimini-based artists were invited to paint the most iconic local figures on the walls of the houses. 

Then during the second festival, the murals were showed scenes of daily life, trades, and local traditions.

This tradition has continued, and today the murals tell the story of the Borgo from the 1900s to the present day.

In 1994, the festival was dedicated to Federico Fellini, who had passed away that same year.  The Maestro had featured many colorful local characters in his films. Artists painted murals inspired by his works, becoming a lasting tribute to the legendary director.

The first murals were originally painted on the oldest houses, and sadly some have been lost to time, while others can still be seen or found in vintage photos.