Church of Saint Francis, Rimini: Detail of facade by Alberti

The church, built by the Franciscans in the second half of the 13th century, was chosen by the lords of Rimini as their burial place. Around 1450 it was enlarged and embellished by Sigismondo Malatesta: carved inscriptions in the building record that this work was in fulfilment of a vow taken during the Italic Wars. This alteration involved the cladding of the exterior in marble and the enlargement and embellishment of the interior, adding further chapels and facing them all with marble and low reliefs. Sigismondo sought the advice of Leon Battista Alberti, who provided designs and a wooden model (destroyed). The work, carried out by Matteo de' Pasti, came to a halt in 1461. The second storey is incomplete. The church was completed by the Franciscans over subsequent centuries but not to the intended scheme. The two easternmost chapels and the apse were added in the 18th century, and from about this period the church was also known as the 'Tempio Malatestiano'.