Paolo Malatesta, known as il Bello, was the third son of Malatesta da Verucchio, lord of Rimini.
11 Facts About Paolo Malatesta
2.
Paolo Malatesta is best known for the story of his affair with Francesca da Polenta, portrayed by Dante in a famous episode of his Inferno.
3.
Paolo Malatesta was the brother of Giovanni and Malatestino Malatesta.
4.
Paolo Malatesta was the third-born son of Malatesta da Verucchio and his first wife Concordia dei Pandolfini.
5.
Paolo Malatesta's family gave rise to the Malatesta lords of Rimini.
6.
Paolo Malatesta was the progenitor of the Malatesta di Ghiaggiolo branch in the Forli Apennines.
7.
Paolo Malatesta had three brothers: Giovanni, Malatestino and Maddalena.
8.
Paolo Malatesta was called "il Bello" for his physical prowess, as opposed to Gianciotto's unattractiveness.
9.
In 1269 Paolo married Orabile Beatrice, the last heir of the counts of Ghiaggiolo, a fief located in the Forli Apennines, which remained without male heirs.
10.
Traditionally Paolo Malatesta has been portrayed as a romantic, beautiful figure, not very inclined to aspirations for power, instead focused on culture and the pleasures of life.
11.
Paolo Malatesta was killed by his brother Gianciotto together with his wife, Francesca.