If you’re staying along the Riviera Romagnola on Italy’s Adriatic Coast, then it’s quite likely that you won’t be able to visit all of the country’s stunning architecture, ancient ruins, and art cities. Not to worry because a visit to Italia in Miniatura will have you covered. Just as its name reveals, it is a small theme park that has managed to recreate over 270 of Italy’s amazing monuments and sites in a fairly compact space. Their slogan is, “Where little ones can feel big”, but don’t let that fool you; even if you visit without kids, you will definitely enjoy this park. Think of how Las Vegas has managed to recreate major wonders and monuments of the world on an enormous scale- now imagine it shrunk down into an adorable, yet well-designed, mini park.
From Rome’s Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Square to Florence’s Duomo to the Alps of Valle d’Aosta- all of Italy’s 20 regions are represented in full splendor. There are numerous spots where you can pose for pictures or selfies with backdrops that seem completely real! There is even an area dedicated to the famous sites of Europe called Europa in Miniatura.
If you didn’t make it to Venice, or maybe you just didn’t get the chance to take a gondola ride in the Grand Canal- now’s your chance! The park has a replica of St. Mark’s Square that can actually hold 280 people and the gondola ride is included in your ticket price. Other attractions included in the ticket price include a kids’ race track, a castle complete with a water attraction, and a monorail. There’s also a water ride that has some pretty exciting drops, a ropes course (not included in ticket price), a 7D cinema experience (not included) a hands-on science museum, and even an aviary with parrots from all over the world.
Located in the Rimini province, just 20 minutes south of Cervia by car, it would make a perfect day or even half-day trip. We visited in the month of April on a lovely spring day. The park is entirely outdoors and perfect for visiting on a warm spring day. Remember to bring your sunscreen and hat and a change of clothes, towel for the little ones.
The park will be open daily beginning March 19, 2019 with hours and entrance fees varying according to the date. An adult ticket price is 17€/23€ (varies depending on day/season); children between 100 and 140 cm tall 11€/17€; children under 100 cm tall are free. A big perk is that the ticket is valid for a second entry on the day of your choice until January 6, 2020.
The official website is very helpful with great photos and a map of the park. The “buy your tickets” link seems to offer some great discounts if you buy in advance.
I can honestly say that my family and I had a great time at this very simple, yet well-thought out park and that it was a nice break away from the crowds. I know you’ll love Italia in Miniatura!
photo copyrights: italiainminiatura.com
