Tempio Malatestiano

The Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini - "il Duomo" to the people of Rimini -  is a building full of contradictions. It began life as an old Franciscan church, over which Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of the city, built a temple in the 15th century dedicated to himself and to the magnificence of the Malatesta family. Since 1809 it has served as the cathedral, but Sigismondo's mark on it remains indelible. The interior - a central nave and six side chapels - is rich in religious symbols, such as the beautiful crucifix by Giotto, but also in pagan symbols, such as the zodiac signs found in "La Cappella dei Pianeti".

Good to know

• It has the appearance of a pantheon, a building typical of a personality cult, evidence that Malatesta conceived it as a place of personal worship.
• The Tempio Malatestiano is an unfinished work. In 1462 Sigismondo Malatesta could no longer afford to fund the construction of his temple and work stopped.
• Inside the temple visitors can admire a fresco by Piero della Francesca, depicting Sigismondo Malatesta kneeling before Saint Sigismund.
• "Tesori della Cattedrale" is the museum next to the Tempio Malatestiano. Here are gathered sacred vestments, illuminated manuscripts, paintings, liturgical items and a 13th-century bas-relief.

Other information

The exterior of the Tempio Malatestiano was designed by Leon Battista Alberti and completed in 1450. At the front, the architectural design recalls a Roman triumphal arch. Along the sides are seven arches divided by pillars: those on the left are empty, while those on the right hold the sarcophagi of important figures from the Malatesta court.