Pope Pius II excommunicated Sigismondo Malatesta and allegedly attempted to have him burned at the stake for heresy, partly due to the temple's secular ornamentation.
The interior contains the tomb of Isotta degli Atti, Sigismondo's mistress and later his third wife, marked by an elephant, the heraldic symbol of the Malatesta family.
The cathedral holds a 14th-century crucifix by Giotto, one of the few surviving pieces from his stay in Rimini.
Piero della Francesca's fresco of Saint Sigismund was discovered behind a later altarpiece during 20th-century restorations.
The marble casing of the exterior was sourced from various historical sites, including the Roman ruins of Classe in Ravenna.
The temple features no bell tower, a result of the construction halt following Malatesta's political decline.
The Tempio Malatestiano, or Malatesta Temple, is a 15th-century cathedral in Rimini designed by the humanist architect Leon Battista Alberti. It serves as the funerary chapel for Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, the lord of Rimini, and his family. The building is renowned for its facade, which integrates classical Roman motifs, including arches modeled after the nearby Arch of Augustus. Internally, the church houses a crucifix attributed to Giotto and a fresco by Piero della Francesca depicting Sigismondo Malatesta kneeling before Saint Sigismund. The structure remained unfinished after Malatesta's fall from power, particularly the planned monumental dome. It was elevated to the status of a cathedral in 1809. The architectural project transformed an existing 13th-century Franciscan church into a monument celebrating Malatesta's legacy rather than traditional ecclesiastical themes. Despite its secular patronage, it remains an active Catholic place of worship.
From the center of the Piazza Malatesta for a full view of the western facade's classical arches.
Check the side chapels carefully, as they contain significant sculptural work by Agostino di Duccio.
Look for the Malatesta heraldic symbols, including the elephant, rose, and chessboard, embedded in the decorative friezes.
Maintain silence, as this is an active cathedral with frequent religious services.
Touching the marble reliefs or using flash photography, which is strictly prohibited.
The temple may have limited access during Sunday morning mass and religious holidays.
Modest dress is required: cover shoulders and knees. Remove hats and maintain quiet behavior inside.
