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Francesca da Polenta
(c. 1259/60–<1286)

Other names: Francesca da Rimini, Franceschina da Rimini

Biographical

Francesca entered an arranged marriage with Gianciotto Malatesta, lord of Rimini, in c. 1275, and then began an affair with his brother Paolo. When her husband later became aware of this, he murdered them both. Little else is known with certainty about her. The sinning couple makes and appearance in 'Inferno' from Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Dante was possibly acquainted with Paolo in person.

Place of birth: Ravenna
Place of death: Rimini

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