Marecchia

Marecchia is a river in northern Italy, located in the Emilia-Romagna region. It runs through the Romagna area, primarily in the province of Rimini, and empties into the Adriatic Sea near Rimini. The river has its sources in the Apennine mountains and follows a generally southeastward course, shaping a valley that bears its name.

Along its route, the Marecchia passes near several towns of historical and economic significance, including Santarcangelo di Romagna and Rimini. Throughout history the river has supported agricultural and small-scale industrial activities in its basin, and its waters have shaped settlement patterns in the surrounding countryside.

A notable landmark spanning the Marecchia in Rimini is the Tiberius Bridge, a Roman-era stone bridge that connects the city’s historic center with the opposite bank. The bridge is a prominent reminder of the river’s long-standing presence in the urban landscape and its role in regional transport and commerce.

In modern times, flood management and environmental protection have been addressed through monitoring and projects aimed at reducing flood risk and preserving water quality. The Marecchia’s basin forms part of Romagna’s broader hydrographic network, contributing to the region’s ecological diversity and landscape character.