Malatesta I Malatesta

Malatesta I Malatesta, called della Penna (Pennabilli, 1183 – Rimini, November 1248), was an Italian condottiero, the first of his house to govern Rimini. Orphaned young, he was raised by his uncle Giovanni, and in March 1216 both were admitted to Rimini citizenship with tax immunity and full jurisdiction over their lands.

As podestà of Pistoia in 1228 he fought Florence at Vairano, where he was captured, and was excommunicated for opposing a papal legate. A supporter of Emperor Frederick II, he was podestà of Rimini in 1239 and 1247.