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Coriano offrrs the peace and tranquillity of a country town, despite
being only a short distance from the busy coast, right at the centre
of the triangle formed by the lively beaches of Rimini and Riccione
and the soaring towers of San Marino. The countryside around the
town is of great beauty, with its rural communities dedicated to
the cultivation of wheat and olives, as well as to the production
of some of the best wines of the area. The hospitality of the inhabitants
is warm-hearted and generous, and they seldom miss an opportunity
to organise fairs and festivals to welcome their visitors.
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| The origins of the ancient fundus Cornelianus are
lost in the mists of time. Artefacts found locally indicate that
in the Iron Age, around the 8th or the 7th centuries BC, there was
already a small village nearby, perhaps an offshoot of the Villanovan
settlement at Verucchio. The present site of the town, however,
was probably decided in the 3rd century BC, when the Roman programme
of colonisation reclaimed a great quantity of unused land for agriculture
and brought many new inhabitants to the hills and valleys of the
territory.
 Like
the rest of the Rimini area, Coriano has been dominated by a succession
of different rulers, including the Goths, the Byzantines, German
emperors, the Malatesta family, Cesare Borgia, the Venetian Republic
and the Papal States, to name only the most important ones. In 1444
the Malatesta family built a castle at Coriano, but it was confiscated
and presented to the Sassatelli family of Imola by Pope Clement
VIII, in recognition of the help given in defeating the rebellious
Malatesta dynasty. The town owes its coat of arms to the Sassatelli
family, and it can still be seen 0ver the arch that leads to what
remains of the castle.
In 1605, Coriano became a part of the Papal States again, under
whose rule it remained until the constitution of the Kingdom of
Italy. The centre of the town was seriously damaged during the Second
World War, and in September 1944 it was the scene of one of the
most bitterly fought battles of the Italian Campaign. On 13th September,
after a first attempt which had failed, divisions of the 5th British
Armoured Corps and the 1st Canadian Army Corps succeeded in breaking
through the heavily defended Gothic Line at Coriano, and the Allied
High Command later took up temporary residence in the Villa de Vergers,
at nearby San Lorenzo in Correggiano, one of the most graceful mansions
in neo-classical style in the Rimini area. Coriano now boasts many
prominent industries, one of which is the Valleverde footwear group,
and other activities include agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.
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| Only
a part of Coriano Castle remains, as the resthas been destroyed
at various times over the centuries. However, the inner gateway
with its square tower, the 16th century outer gateway and stretches
of the original walls can still be seen. The countryside around
the town is characterised by green hills where olives, grapevines
and wheat are grown.
 Coriano
Town Council is noted for its precious contribution towards the
protection of the environment, which now represents an important
attraction for visitors to the town. Nature lovers will be sure
appreciate the River Marano Park and the Rio Melo Valley, which
are ideal for pleasant and relaxing country rambles. Autumn brings
the warmth of colours to Coriano with several interesting events,
one of which is the Olive Festival, an excellent opportunity to
taste and even buy the exquisite olive oil produced locally. Quality
is guaranteed by a contest that awards prizes to the best producers
of the season.
The San Patrignano Community is established in the countryside near
Coriano, and apart from producing biologically grown food and valuable
craftwork, and breeding horses, is also known for its invaluable
work in the field of social assistance. Many of the villages around
Coriano have interesting buildings, and at the Madre Pie Convent
there is a noteworthy embroidery and lace display.
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