Malatesta Temple

From the outside, the Tempio Malatestiano looks like a Roman monument that has wandered into Rimini: a marble triumphal-arch façade flanked by arcades that echo aqueducts. Inside, you are still in a reworked Franciscan church, its Gothic body wrapped in Alberti’s classical “skin”. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta meant it to be more than a church - part cathedral, part dynastic shrine, part manifesto. Chapels bloom with reliefs, zodiac signs and emblems of his rule, surrounding Giotto’s crucifix and Piero della Francesca’s fresco. The result is a brilliant, uneasy hybrid where Renaissance humanism, personal ambition and Christian devotion all coexist.

The Tempio Malatestiano is an architectural masterpiece with a scandalous backstory. Commissioned in the 15th century by the Lord of Rimini, Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, it was designed by the genius architect Leon Battista Alberti. It is widely considered the first true Renaissance church façade in the world. However, Pope Pius II famously hated it, claiming it was "full of pagan gods and profane things" and excommunicated Sigismondo, condemning him to Hell while he was still alive.

The doors were closed; it was very white. There's a similar church on Mount Pendelli in Greece, but it's not as large and is the main building here.

Beautiful temple with the relic of St Nicholas on display. Such amazing icons and religious symbols on display on the vast ceilings and walls. The cross in the back of the church was so beautiful and looked like it was glowing. A must see for anyone visiting Rimini. Please note that there’s a dress code of no tank tops/short skirts for women and t-shirts/short shorts for men.

The temple impressed me both inside and out. As the most important Renaissance-era monument in Rimini, it is a must-visit destination for tourists passing through the city.

The unfinish cathedral is very attractive inside and outside. Built in 1809 by Leon Battista Albert in marble surrounding the preview church of St Francis. Inside you will find a lot of paintings and frescos by various Italian artists, and a Crucifixion by Giotto. What I did liked about the cathedral is all the detail that have gone into the marble columns and everything that connected them. the elephant bases, the angels and all the other details.

I was impressed by the interior of this temple since it has so many wonderful marble sculptures which makes it looks quite elegant and luxurious.

Recently renovated, this cathedral is not the conventional church you'll often find. Some people dislike its "unfinished" shape, but I think that's what makes this place special. Step in to admire some valuable art pieces