Basilica Cattedrale (Tempio Malatestiano)
Basilica Cattedrale (Tempio Malatestiano)
Basilica Cattedrale (Tempio Malatestiano)
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,766 contributions
May 2023
The Tempio Malatestiano is the unfinished cathedral and basilica, officially named for St. Francis, but also known as Tempio Malatestiano for the man who commissioned its reconstruction. One of the most striking features of the exterior is the wide marble façade that is largely unadorned, due to the aforementioned incomplete construction. The only notable features of the exterior is the enabled columns and the entrance, which has a triangular pediment surrounded by a tympanum decorated with geometrical designs. The unfinished pediment on the roof is actually quite charming and does look a little like broken pediments of Baroque.
The church has one nave, with side chapels arrayed along both sides. Most notable of these I thought were the Chapel of St. Sigismund and the Chapel of the Planets (dedicated to St. Jerome). The latter is notable for the sculptures of zodiac figures around the arches.
The church has one nave, with side chapels arrayed along both sides. Most notable of these I thought were the Chapel of St. Sigismund and the Chapel of the Planets (dedicated to St. Jerome). The latter is notable for the sculptures of zodiac figures around the arches.
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia2,665 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Large unique cathedral in the heart of Rimini, although church is incomplete still packs a punch with what it has to offer.
Some really nice side alters to see with many areas having really nice crosses, statues marble art.
Not as grand as major city Basilica’s but still good to see.
Some really nice side alters to see with many areas having really nice crosses, statues marble art.
Not as grand as major city Basilica’s but still good to see.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carpense
Carpi, Italy3,585 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I have already reviewed this illustrious monument and prestigious cathedral basilica in the past. For me it would be unforgivable to go to Rimini without a visit to this temple, "Malatesta Temple", defined in honor of the Lord of Rimini Sigismondo Malatesta, who wanted it completed under the direction of the great Leon Battista Alberti. A powerful, ingenious construction that skilfully introduces the art of the Renaissance. And then significant pictorial works, including an expressive, intense crucifix believed to be by Piero della Francesca. A church, a moment, which together with the Basilica, also by Alberti, of Sant'Andrea in Mantua, stands at the pinnacle of Italian architecture. Unmissable!
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PoxdorferJung
Franconia, Germany8,708 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The Malatesta Temple is the main church of the diocese of Rimini and a minor basilica. The Gothic cathedral from the 13th century is a wonderful collection of ecclesiastical art treasures and Giotto stands out and the tombs of Sigismondo and Isotta Malatesta are worth seeing. A wonderful church!
Written January 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luis P
Valencia, Spain2,012 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
What we see is the unfinished result of transforming, disguising, the old temple of a Franciscan monastery that has now disappeared, into the Malatesta mausoleum. The project contemplated the nave and a rotunda (type pantheon in Rome, or like the rotunda of Galerius in Tssaloniki) that was not completed due to several setbacks such as the defeat and excommunication of Sigismondo by Pope Pius II Piccolomini.
Both the unfinished exterior and interior show a magnificent classical decoration, without religious symbology, hence it is called "Malatestiano Temple", although it is now the cathedral headquarters (1809-Santa Colomba).
The temple not only was not finished, but it was also bombed in 1944, in the Second World War, so it lost the apse, the side chapel of the epistle next to the apse (in it a fresco recovered from Sigismondo by Piero della Francesca) and the roof. A crucifix attributed to Giotto di Bondone currently hangs in the reconstructed apse.
Names such as Leon Battista Alberti, Matteo de' Pasti, Agostino di Duccio or the aforementioned Piero de la Francesca took part in the project. A real lesson in Quattrocento art.
Both the unfinished exterior and interior show a magnificent classical decoration, without religious symbology, hence it is called "Malatestiano Temple", although it is now the cathedral headquarters (1809-Santa Colomba).
The temple not only was not finished, but it was also bombed in 1944, in the Second World War, so it lost the apse, the side chapel of the epistle next to the apse (in it a fresco recovered from Sigismondo by Piero della Francesca) and the roof. A crucifix attributed to Giotto di Bondone currently hangs in the reconstructed apse.
Names such as Leon Battista Alberti, Matteo de' Pasti, Agostino di Duccio or the aforementioned Piero de la Francesca took part in the project. A real lesson in Quattrocento art.
Written May 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabrizio S
Vicenza, Italy87 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A little Florence inside the Malatesta temple. Vasari is located, Giotto. Piero della Francesca, Leon Battista Alberti and Matteo di Pasti. A small anecdote: looking at the chapel of St. James look for the zodiac sign of Leo. If you don't find it or let the knowledgeable Guide explain you or start opening search engines. It takes 30 minutes to get a good look. I forgot it's all free.
Automatically translated
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandro F
Milan, Italy32,949 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Beautiful unfinished cathedral built in 1447 under Lordship of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta (1417-1468)
He wanted to build this cathedral for his burial and for his family , a monument celebrating his lineage. Malatesta had the chapels inside the church adorned with countless pagan works (hence the name temple) which made him argue with Pope Pius II Piccolomini with the subsequent excommunication he received in 1460.
The facade was designed by Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472)
The internal with one nave and several lateral chapels is full of statues and a beautiful paint made by Piero della Francesca (1412-1492) depicting Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta praying in front Saint Sigismondo
Finally you can admire the magnificent Holy Cross made by Giotto (1267-1337)
He wanted to build this cathedral for his burial and for his family , a monument celebrating his lineage. Malatesta had the chapels inside the church adorned with countless pagan works (hence the name temple) which made him argue with Pope Pius II Piccolomini with the subsequent excommunication he received in 1460.
The facade was designed by Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472)
The internal with one nave and several lateral chapels is full of statues and a beautiful paint made by Piero della Francesca (1412-1492) depicting Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta praying in front Saint Sigismondo
Finally you can admire the magnificent Holy Cross made by Giotto (1267-1337)
Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niki101
London, UK763 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
Rimini is a small, relaxing and beautiful city. With its historic centre, it is a great place to visit. However, the highlight here is the Tempio Malatestiano. Far from any hustle and bustle, this place is full of great artworks. You will recognize it with its elegant façade and rich decorations.
Yes, when you enter the place, you will see the Giotto crucifix. Also there is the Piero della Francesca fresco of “Praying in Front of St. Sigismund”. The artist was in Rimini in 1451 and for Sigismondo Malatesta, the lord of Rimini, he executed this devotional subject. However, there is much more to see and admire. The sculptures of the little angels playing and dancing are beautiful and you would like to watch them for as long as possible. Each decoration is giving you some message which can be interpreted in many ways. Depicted is also the sign of Cancer, Sigismondo’s own zodiac sign.
There is no admission fee but also there is no brochure with some history and notes about this sight. When we visited the temple, some restoration works were taking place so I asked some questions the man who worked there. It would be good if you research it before you get to the temple.
Yes, when you enter the place, you will see the Giotto crucifix. Also there is the Piero della Francesca fresco of “Praying in Front of St. Sigismund”. The artist was in Rimini in 1451 and for Sigismondo Malatesta, the lord of Rimini, he executed this devotional subject. However, there is much more to see and admire. The sculptures of the little angels playing and dancing are beautiful and you would like to watch them for as long as possible. Each decoration is giving you some message which can be interpreted in many ways. Depicted is also the sign of Cancer, Sigismondo’s own zodiac sign.
There is no admission fee but also there is no brochure with some history and notes about this sight. When we visited the temple, some restoration works were taking place so I asked some questions the man who worked there. It would be good if you research it before you get to the temple.
Written July 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CutieliciousP
London, UK6 contributions
Seaside Tourist destination during summer period, not at winter season. Nevertheless, we did enjoy & fell in love with the city and the hospitality of the community.
From Federico Fellino Airport > take bus #9 (a lot cheaper to buy the bus ticket from the machine at the airport), 45mins to Rimini Train station Central (last stop) >take bus #11 another 15mins from central to the SEA SIDE. Loads of hotels to choose from.
There is an Information Office right next to the Train station and they are very helpful. They will provide you everything you need to know about Rimini. There is also a small Conad supermarket right beside it.
You can physically tour the whole town by walking within a day.
•Shops are closed between 12.00-15.00, same as most restaurants.
•There is only one oriental restaurant at the Central called King Thai, located right at the main road
•There is no Bureau de change anywhere, therefore, ensure to bring enough Euros. Not all shops accepts bank card.
•San Marino is another town which is an hour away by bus from Rimini.
•You can travel to Bologna, Ancona or Parma from Rimini within an hour.
Food is excellent everywhere, however, portions are small and expensive.
People are so helpful & pleasant. Very laid back & chill environment.
Helpful website:
http://www.riminiturismo.it/
From Federico Fellino Airport > take bus #9 (a lot cheaper to buy the bus ticket from the machine at the airport), 45mins to Rimini Train station Central (last stop) >take bus #11 another 15mins from central to the SEA SIDE. Loads of hotels to choose from.
There is an Information Office right next to the Train station and they are very helpful. They will provide you everything you need to know about Rimini. There is also a small Conad supermarket right beside it.
You can physically tour the whole town by walking within a day.
•Shops are closed between 12.00-15.00, same as most restaurants.
•There is only one oriental restaurant at the Central called King Thai, located right at the main road
•There is no Bureau de change anywhere, therefore, ensure to bring enough Euros. Not all shops accepts bank card.
•San Marino is another town which is an hour away by bus from Rimini.
•You can travel to Bologna, Ancona or Parma from Rimini within an hour.
Food is excellent everywhere, however, portions are small and expensive.
People are so helpful & pleasant. Very laid back & chill environment.
Helpful website:
http://www.riminiturismo.it/
Written February 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaibeartAlba
Scotland213 contributions
Nov 2019
A surprise find in this fine church and November is a pleasant time to visit as the crowds was flown.
Written November 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time are the masses at the cathedral?
Written March 16, 2018
Hi New York, there was a mass advertised at 1100 which I tried to attend in October 2017. At 1055 there was virtually no one in the Cathedral, no sign of a congragation, no priest evident but a man walled down the aisle and speaking in Italian, I guess he asked me to leave, not understanding him I queried this with him and he waved his hands in a clear gesture indicating that I should leave. He also seemed to clear the sightseers out at the same time and I left feeling bemused.
Sorry this doesn't answer your question but such was my experience at 11am.
Written March 19, 2018
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