800 Years of St. Anthony in Rimini: The Programme of Celebrations between History and Miracles.

Rimini renews its deep historical bond with the figure of Saint Anthony of Padua, the 'Saint of Miracles'. Precisely eight hundred years ago, the Saint chose the city of Romagna as the setting for two of the most famous and fascinating episodes of his life: the Sermon to the Fishes and the Eucharistic Miracle of the Mula.

This year's celebrations, organised by the Ponte dei Miracoli Association in collaboration with the Diocese of Rimini, are of national importance and enjoy the prestigious patronage of the Committee for the Eighth Centenary of the Death of St Francis.

Here is the complete programme of a special day combining faith, history and maritime tradition, divided into two evocative moments in the city's symbolic places.

The Harbour and the Sermon to the Fishes
The day begins at the canal port area, the site of Rimini's first prodigy.

7.30 am - Sea excursion: Departure from Piazzale Boscovich aboard the Bella Rimini motorboat. The excursion includes a blessing by Bishop Nicolò Anselmi and the traditional throwing of the lily into the sea. (For information and reservations: 340 3835567).
11.30 a.m. - Tribute to the Stele: At the quay on Via Destra del Porto, there will be a floral tribute to the commemorative stele at the exact spot where, according to tradition, the saint spoke to the fish.

Afternoon: Piazza Tre Martiri and the Miracle of the Mula

In the afternoon, the celebrations move to the heart of the city, where faith meets art and history.

From 4 pm - Veneration of the Relic: At the Church of the Paolotti it will be possible to pay homage to the bust containing the relic of St Anthony.
6 p.m. - Sacred Performance: In Piazza Tre Martiri, 'Francesco & Antonio, vite straordinarie di 2 giovani del '200' ('Francis & Anthony, extraordinary lives of two young men from the 13th century'), by Sonia Lazzari, will be performed to rediscover the historical context of the two saints.
7 pm - Solemn Mass: Bishop Nicolò Anselmi will preside over the open-air service around the Tempietto del Bramante. The recently restored building is the symbol of the Eucharistic miracle of the mule that took place in this square.