Piazza Tre Martiri occupies part of ancient Ariminum's forum in central Rimini. The Roman city's main axes crossed here; today Corso d'Augusto crosses the square between arch and bridge. Its present name commemorates three partisans hanged here on 16 August 1944.
From forum to market
The Roman colony was founded in 268 BC. The decumanus corresponds to Corso d'Augusto, while the cardo followed today's Via Garibaldi and Via IV Novembre axis. Some ancient paving sections are visible in protected openings in the square.
A 16th-century stone marker recalls the speech Giulio Cesare is said to have addressed to his legions after crossing the Rubicone. In his memory, the square also has a bronze Cesare statue, a copy of a Roman original: in 1944, the square still bore his name.
In the Middle Ages, the site hosted the market and was known as Piazza delle Erbe. Torre dell'Orologio dates from 1547 and was rebuilt in 1759; since 1750, alongside the clock, it has had a dial with calendar, zodiac signs and lunar phases. Monumento ai Caduti stands at its foot.
Tempietto di Sant'Antonio
Tempietto di Sant'Antonio da Padova was built in the early 16th century to commemorate a 13th-century miracle: according to tradition, a mule showed devotion before the consecrated host. It was rebuilt in the 17th century, and restorations changed its original appearance.
Behind it, Minimi di San Francesco di Paola founded a place of worship in the early 17th century. Since 1963, Chiesa dei Paolotti has stood in its place, recognisable by its green dome.
The memory of the three partisans
Adelio Pagliarani, aged 19, Mario Capelli, 23, and Luigi Nicolò, 22, partisans of XXIX Brigata Gastone Sozzi, were summarily tried and hanged here on 16 August 1944. Marble strips in the paving mark the gallows site; a bronze plaque on a pillar of a building in the square bears their names.
The walk can continue towards Arco di Augusto or, in the opposite direction, Ponte di Tiberio. These are three stops along the same urban axis, accessible from outside without a ticket; others are in the Rimini monuments guide.
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