Malatesta Nights
Seven Saturdays of historical conferences on the Malatesta family at the Rocca of Montefiore Conca
About Malatesta Nights
A Series Dedicated to the Malatesta
The Malatesta Nights are a cycle of historical conferences held in Montefiore Conca, a small village in the province of Rimini, in the hinterland of Emilia-Romagna. The event transforms the Malatesta Fortress into a place for storytelling and in-depth discussion, where scholars and enthusiasts gather to rediscover the history of the powerful Malatesta lordship, which dominated the lands between Romagna and Marche for centuries.
Seven Saturdays of History, Literature, and Culture
The program consists of seven evening meetings, one for each Saturday, from May 2nd to June 13th, always at 9:00 PM. Each evening addresses a different theme: from the female figures of the Malatesta court, such as Ginevra d'Este and Parisina Malatesta, to the power dynamics and warfare of the lordship, to Dantean literature, the iconography of Renaissance tarot cards, and even the cuisine of the era. The speakers are writers, university professors, and researchers who share recent studies and original perspectives with the public.
The Fortress Setting
The Fortress of Montefiore Conca, built by the Malatesta in the 14th century, overlooks the Valconca valley and offers panoramic views stretching to the Adriatic Sea. Its halls and spaces provide the ideal backdrop for a series that revives history precisely in the places where it unfolded, offering visitors an experience that combines cultural dissemination with a medieval atmosphere.
A Cultural Project for the Territory
The event is curated by the association Compagnia di Ricerca, in collaboration with Riviera Banca, and is sponsored by the International Center for Malatesta Studies, chaired by Professor Anna Falcioni of the University of Urbino. The initiative is part of a broader commitment to enhance the historical and identity heritage of the Province of Rimini and the entire Emilia-Romagna region, with the aim of making the richness of Malatesta culture accessible to all.
- Seven evening conferences, every Saturday at 9:00 PM
- Set in the Malatesta Fortress of Montefiore Conca
- Historical, literary, and gastronomic themes related to the Malatesta
- Free admission with mandatory reservation
Malatesta Nights — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Malatesta Nights takes place at the Malatesta Fortress of Montefiore Conca with seven events, one for each Saturday from May 2nd to June 13th, always at 9:00 PM. The common thread is the history of the Malatesta, told through its female protagonists, its battles, and its culture. The series is curated by Compagnia di Ricerca with Riviera Banca and sponsored by the International Center for Malatesta Studies.
Programme Malatesta Nights 2026
May 2nd — Ginevra d'Este
Presentation of the book by Roberta Iotti "Ginevra d'Este. The Princess Adorned with Juniper," followed by a talk by architect Carla Costa dedicated to Leon Battista Alberti.
May 9th — The Other Francesca
Professor Paolo Rambelli leads a conference dedicated to the figure of Parisina Malatesta in Byron's poetry.
May 16th — The Mind and the Sword
Dr. Andrea Antonioli addresses the theme of identity, power, and conflict in the Malatesta lordship.
May 23rd — Francesca and the Others
Professor Carlotta Bendi offers an in-depth look at the stories of women in the Divine Comedy, with a focus on Francesca da Rimini.
May 30th — The Battle of Ravenna
Dr. Andrea Santangelo, in dialogue with Roberta Iotti, recounts the Battle of Ravenna as an archetype of a new way of waging war, from the Malatesta to the Este, passing through Cesare Borgia.
June 6th — Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and the Tarot
Professor Andrea Vitali presents the conference "Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta and the Tarot – 1440. A Golden World.".
June 13th — Dining with the Malatesta
The series concludes with a multisensory event curated by chef Alessia Uccellini, dedicated to Renaissance cuisine, with a tasting of historical recipes.
Highlights Malatesta Nights 2026
- Presentation of Roberta Iotti's book on Ginevra d'Este (May 2nd)
- The women of the Divine Comedy with Carlotta Bendi (May 23rd)
- The tarot cards of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta with Andrea Vitali (June 6th)
- "Dining with the Malatesta" with chef Alessia Uccellini and historical tasting (June 13th)
Prices Malatesta Nights 2026
Practical information — Malatesta Nights
How to Get There
Montefiore Conca is located in the hinterland of the Province of Rimini, reachable by car from the SS16 Adriatica and then from the provincial roads of Valconca. The nearest motorway exit on the A14 is Riccione or Cattolica, about a 20-25 minute drive away. The reference train station is Riccione or Rimini, from which you can continue by car or local transport.
Times and Admission
The meetings are held every Saturday at 9:00 PM, from May 2nd to June 13th. Admission is by donation. Reservation is mandatory by calling +39 349 4449144.
Recommendations
We recommend combining your visit to the event with a stroll through the medieval village of Montefiore Conca and the Malatesta Fortress, one of the most picturesque castles on the Rimini Riviera.
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Where does it take place — Malatesta Nights
Rocca Malatestiana di Montefiore Conca
Via Roma 3, 47834 Montefiore Conca