|  |  Malatesta TempleRimini's Malatesta Temple was conceived by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta as a memorial tomb for his family, and still houses a wooden crucifix painted by Giotto.Everything around Rimini and its region, including the Malatesta Temple, once belonged to the Signoria dei Malatesta. Like their emblem, that allies the elephant and the rose, the family were both very refined and at times very hard-headed people. Tragedy struck in 1285 when Gianni Malatesta had his brother Paolo and his own wife Francesca da Rimini assassinated after discovering their affair.
Another character full of charm and wit, Sigismond I Malatesta was ferociously in love with his mistress Isotta, to whom he dedicated the Malatesta Temple. Legend has it that he repudiated his first wife, poisoned the second and strangled the third in order to marry her. A cultivated man, he was also patron to many artists such as Piero della Francesca, Ghirlandaio and Pisanello.
The Malatesta Temple was designed by Leon Battista Alberti and Matteo dei Pasti and Agostino di Duccio created the bas-relief decorations in the chapels, which highlight the dominant personality of the commissioner who was celebrated by Piero della Francesca in his fresco of the Prince and San Sigismondo.
Recently consecrated a basilica, Rimini's Malatesta Temple has undergone restorations which have returned the marble and bright colours of the interior chapels to their former splendour. |
Event Details:
| Date(s):
Daily
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 8am-12.30pm & 3.30pm-7pm; Sat & Sun 9am-1pm & 3.30pm-7pm
Location:
Rimini, Emilia Romagna, Italy |
Venue Details:
| Venue Name:
Malatesta Temple
Address:
35 Via 4 Novembre 47900
Phone:
+39 0541 51 130
Directions:
Located a few minutes' walk from the main railway station.
By Bus: 11. |
Return to Previous Page© Whatsonwhen Limited 2005. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: Although we've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person resulting from information published on this site. We recommend that you verify any critical information such as event dates, opening hours and prices before you make plans. | | Weather: |  |
|---|
|
|
