Sismondo Castel

The Sismondo Castel of Rimini takes its name from its creator and builder, Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, at that time lord of Rimini and Fano.

Today's remaining structure represents nothing more than the central core of the castle, which was originally defended by a further round of walls and a moat.

Castel Sismondo was built at the behest of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta starting from 1437, in a period of great prosperity for the Malatesta lordship.

It was conceived as a fortress and a palace at the same time, of grandiose proportions, which should visually represent the power and supremacy of the lord over the city.

Sigismondo, celebrated as the architect of the work by court writers, was probably the inspiration and coordinator of the project, for his experience as a leader and great knowledge of the war arts.

Certainly, the gentleman was supported by designers and received the advice, shortly after the start of the works, of Filippo Brunelleschi, an architect of great prestige called to Rimini in 1438 to carry out inspections in the main fortresses of the seigniory.

Furthermore, before Brunelleschi's arrival and again in 1454, Cristoforo Foschi and Matteo Nuti worked on the factory.

Ground floor plan of the castle. The following are indicated: the existing towers (1,2,4) and the destroyed towers of the inner wall (3,5), the entrance to the middle fortress (6), the middle court (7), the rescue court ( 8), the palace of Isotta (9) and the keep (10)

Map: Sismondo Castel