Visit Rimini

The Sagra Musicale Malatestiana is one of Rimini’s longest established and prestigious annual events, dedicated to the performance of classical music.

in 1950, to celebrate the 500th centenary of the Tempio Malatestiano, and also to celebrate the Tempio’s succesful re-construction after the war (the building was partially destroyed during the heavy bombing of 1943-44), the Rimini tourist board, along with the local clergy and local tourist bodies organised the first Sagra Musicale Malatestiana – a weekend of concerts, performed in the Tempio Malatestiano, in August.

The festival was a great success, and symbolised in many ways the relaunch of Rimini after the destruction of the war; remember, almost 90% of the city was destroyed during the bombing and fighting which led up to the liberation of Rimini in September 1944. The program of the first festival, organised by Carlo Alberto Cappelli (who curated a number of the early festivals), put Rimini firmly on the map in terms of musical events; Cappeli was in charge of Bologna’s Teatro Comunale at that stage, and an important and innovative organiser – he would later take charge of events at Verona’s world-famous roman arena.

If the Sagra Musicale Malatestina‘s first edition symbolised Rimini’s rebirth, then 64 years later the festival has come to represent Rimini’s capacity to endure, adapt, and grow. The festival is now more popular than ever, with concerts taking place over the course of August and September, in a number of venues.