Work of Leon Battista Alberti, preserves the Crucifix by Giotto and a fresco by Piero della Francesca
The Malatesta Temple rapresents the principle example of Reinaissance architecture in Rimini.
It was commissioned by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta in 1447. Under his reign Rimini became one of Italy's liveliest centres for learning and arts.
The exterior part of the Temple is the work of the famous architect Leon Battista Alberti, while the interior was renowed by Matteo de'Pasti.
Inside visitors may admire Giotto's Crucifix, frescoes by Piero della Francesca and reliefs by Agostino di Duccio.
The works were interrupted in 1460 as a consequence of Sigismondo's declining fortunes and the church remained unfinished.
In 1809 the Temple was dedicated to St. Columba and was promoted to the status of Cathedral.
During the bombings that took place in 1943 the Temple suffered serious damage and the first restoration was done in 1950.
The Temple, which was consacrated a Basilica on 29 september 2002, underwent new restoration works financed by the Cassa di Risparmio di Rimini Foundation in Jubilee year. Its completion returned the marble and the colours of the interior chapels to their former splendour.
Opening hours and period
Timetable of Holy Services:
on holidays 11.00 am - 5.30 pm; on Saturdays 5.30 pm. The church closes an hour earlier for the rosary telling.
The opening time may be subject to changes. Info: segreteria@diocesi.rimini.it
Free admission to the church. 2 € per person for visiting groups
Access for people in wheelchairs is on the left side-hand-side of the main entrance, on the way through the gate into the garden of the Bishop house.
PLEASE NOTE: On the occasion of the Papal Visit on 22 August 2026, the Cathedral will remain closed to the public from Wednesday 19 August until 3.30 pm on Saturday 22 August, when it will reopen to welcome the authorised faithful attending the meeting with the Pope.
On the occasion, an exhibition inside the Cathedral features photographs of Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1982, an image of the young Robert Francis Prevost shaking hands with Pope John Paul II, and the bloodstained sheet used following the 1981 assassination attempt on the Pope.