Tempio Malatestiano (Malatestiano Temple), Rimini (must see)

The Malatestiano Temple is the unfinished cathedral of Rimini built in the 13th century. The Gothic-style church belonged to the Franciscans, featuring a single nave and three apses but no side chapels. Frescoes by painter Giotto di Bondone adorned the central chapel. He also created the crucifix housed now in the right chapel.

Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, a captain, nobleman, and poet known as the "Wolf of Rimini" for his military prowess, acquired the edifice and commissioned its reconstruction in 1450. He intended to develop the church as a mausoleum for himself and his wife, Lady Isotta degli Atti, who governed Rimini as a regent between 1460-1462 and 1468–1469.

Renaissance architect Leon Battista Alberti was approved to design the Temple. Alberti drew on ancient Roman structures for his inspiration. He used the concept of the triumphal arch, including the Arch of Augustus in Rimini. Large arcades on the sides recall the Roman aqueducts. The triangular pediment above the door has a decorated tympanum.

There are seven chapels with the remains of prominent Riminese citizens. The church was considered by Pope Pius II an exaltation of "pagan gods and profane things." Malatesta was excommunicated in 1460 as his fortunes declined. He died in 1468.