From: 15/04/2012 To: 01/10/2012 Summer Events 2012 in Cattolica, preview

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Old Town

Town Hall - The realization of the Town Hall and the layout of the surroundig area took place between 1910 and 1930.
Inaugurated in 1914, the impressive neo-Renaissance building was originally covered with decorative patterns and outstanding mosaics. The central body hosted the municipal offices, while the two wings were the venue for the public school (divided into men's and women's sections). The first public garden of the city was realized in the large area dominated by the building. It has recently been renovated through the restoration of its green areas and the introduction of a large tank embellished by lively fountains, which contribute to make the most of the fine architecture of the Town Hall.
   
St. Croce Gallery - Walking down via Pascoli and via Cattaneo, along the ancient via Flaminia, tourists will have the possibility to admire some of the most representative evidences of past vicissitudes, such as St. Croce Gallery.
The former Church of St. Croce, which was erected in the late XVI century, was subsequently dubbed “Church of the Hospital”, since in ‘600 it was situated next to the ”Hospital of the Pilgrims” (the current Museo della Regina), which had been built along the ancient via Flaminia to welcome pilgrims on their way to Rome. It is now the seat of the Municipal Gallery.

St. Apollinare Church - St. Apollinare Church was probably erected in the thirteenth century, even if the first official mention dates back to 1313. The current building dates back to 1782. It cherishes important masterpieces, such as a Crucifixion dating back to the late XVI century, which was attributed to the Laurentine School, an outstanding altar-piece by Basearini, which portrays St. Sebastian and St. Rocco and a wonderful view over Cattolica's panorama, and two small paintings depicting St. Andrew and Madonna Queen of the Sea while standing between St. Vitale and St. Apollinare.

Malatesta Fortress - The Malatesta Fortress, which was erected in 1491 to protect the city against Turkish attack, was also employed to monitor unlicensed maritime trade and pirate incursions, since it was strategically situated in a privileged position overlooking via Flaminia and part of the Adriatic Coast. It was the residence of Cattolica's Captain, who flocked here to protect the village (XVI-XVII centuries). Over the course of the centuries, the Fortress has underwent extensive restoration works: in 1564, Duchess Vittoria Farnese from Urbino commissioned the first restoration in order to improve the splendour of the Farnese family. Twenty years later, it was fortified to protect the city against the Turkish, which were sworn enemies of coastal cities. In 1584 it was provided with a bell. In 1601 a clock was addedd in order to embellish the outer structure. In 1756 the tower was restored in order to repair the damage caused by lightning. Today, it is a private property.

St. Pius V Church - It was commissioned by Pope Pius IX and cherishes an outstanding painting depicting Pius V, the patron saint of the city, which was completed in 1870. Over the last few years, the church has undergone extensive renovation works. In 1951, it was provided with a bell tower. It contains an outstanding painting realized between 1850 and 1860 which portrays the Pope while praying.

Covered Market - The Covered Market, which was designed in 1920 but inaugurated in 1926 by Italo Balbo, made Cattolica the first village of the Province of Rimini to boast such a facility. Recently renovated, this enchanting complex gathers elegant boutiques selling food, fruits and vegetables and fish. It rises on the top of the steps which dominate Piazza Mercato, which in summer stages plenty of amazing open-air shows and events. The outer structure is embellished by colourful stuccos: the original chalk signs decorated with the coat of arms of the “Queen of the Adriatic Sea” and a big triton situated upon the entrance to the fish market.

Tourism Palace
In 1934, the Municipal Administration, which had to find a new and more functional seat for the postal and telegraphic office which was situated on the top floor of the Town Hall, began planning the building of a new Palace for the Postal and Telegraphic Services.
Engineer Eligio Degli Angeli, chief of the technical office of the Town Hall and the Self-governing Company of the Resort, was entrusted with the responsibility of conducting design works. The project was carried out and financed by the Self-governing Company of the Resort itself, which committed to building the palace on behalf of the State according to the original project dated 12/01/1938. The inauguration took place on April 21, 1940, and was presided over by Gr. Uff. Dott. Vittorio Marini, who represented the Ministry of Communication of the National Railways.
The Municipal Administration has recently decided to turn the building into the new seat of the Tourism Palace. Local authorities strive to restore the sumptuous beauty of the original building, while retaining the original functional, volumetric and architectural features and maintaining the traditional patterns of the modernist/rationalist architecture of the period.
The former postal office, which had been designed to allow the quickest possible carrying out of operations, turned into a sort of a listening centre characterized by utmost interaction and hospitality.