Rimini, a city in Italy, Emilia-Romagna

The castle is named after the city’s greatest Renaissance master, Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta. Construction began in 1437 and took 15 years to complete, with the first inhabitants moving into the fortified residence in 1446. Filippo Brunelleschi provided advice regarding its defences. Its location was important because it towered above the seats of civil and religious authority.

The castle we see today is a smaller version of the original castle. After Sigismondo’s death, the end of the dynasty was approaching and so was the growing power of the papacy.

When Cesare Borgia invaded the city in 1500, it became part of the Papal States. By the 17th^y Profound changes have been made to the castle over the last century – the towers have been lowered, the walls demolished, the moat filled in, etc. Looking at the castle now, it is amazing to think how big it actually used to be. The square towers are so formidable in appearance that it is difficult to imagine how terrifying they once were.

Its last major use was as a prison since the 19th century^y 20th century until 1967, before the restoration program began. It is now home to the Fellini Museum, dedicated to the famous film director Federico Fellini who was born in Rimini.