CATHEDRAL OF RIMINI
The Temple of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, lord of Rimini from 1432 to 1468, stands where the Church of S. Maria in Trivio once stood and, from the 13th century, the Church of S. Francesco. The latter was decorated with paintings now lost with the exception of Giotto's Crucifix, the artist's only work in Rimini, dating back to the early 14th century.
Sigismondo created a dream of magnificence in the Temple, which remained unfinished at his death, bringing together, as in a great ark, the memories of the Family.
The works, begun in 1447, included the opening of two tomb chapels for Sigismondo and Isotta degli Atti, his third wife. Sigismondo then decided to act on the entire ancient church, entrusting the project to Leon Battista Alberti, who is responsible for the recovery of the Roman tradition, evident in the façade and the sides that echo the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge.
The elegance of the exterior is matched by the richness of the interior decoration, close to court models. What emerges is the personality of the client, celebrated by Piero della Francesca in the fresco with the prince kneeling before San Sigismondo, and also dominant in the portrait of Rimini in the Cappella dei Pianeti, dominated by Cancer, Sigismondo's zodiac sign.
It is located in the historic center, pedestrian area.
From the train station, continue straight on foot towards the historic center for a few minutes.
Access for people in wheelchairs is on the left side of the main door which is accessed through the gate that opens onto the garden of the bishop's curia. It is possible to listen to the history and description of the Temple in various languages through devices set up next to the main entrance.
Visits to the Malatesta Temple are free and are prohibited only during religious functions which are held at the following times: holidays 11.00 and 17.30 days before holidays 17.30 On these occasions the church cannot be visited for an hour before the Holy Mass, for the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
Sigismondo created a dream of magnificence in the Temple, which remained unfinished at his death, bringing together, as in a great ark, the memories of the Family.
The works, begun in 1447, included the opening of two tomb chapels for Sigismondo and Isotta degli Atti, his third wife. Sigismondo then decided to act on the entire ancient church, entrusting the project to Leon Battista Alberti, who is responsible for the recovery of the Roman tradition, evident in the façade and the sides that echo the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge.
The elegance of the exterior is matched by the richness of the interior decoration, close to court models. What emerges is the personality of the client, celebrated by Piero della Francesca in the fresco with the prince kneeling before San Sigismondo, and also dominant in the portrait of Rimini in the Cappella dei Pianeti, dominated by Cancer, Sigismondo's zodiac sign.
It is located in the historic center, pedestrian area.
From the train station, continue straight on foot towards the historic center for a few minutes.
Access for people in wheelchairs is on the left side of the main door which is accessed through the gate that opens onto the garden of the bishop's curia. It is possible to listen to the history and description of the Temple in various languages through devices set up next to the main entrance.
Visits to the Malatesta Temple are free and are prohibited only during religious functions which are held at the following times: holidays 11.00 and 17.30 days before holidays 17.30 On these occasions the church cannot be visited for an hour before the Holy Mass, for the recitation of the Holy Rosary.