Paolo e Francesca (1845), by William Dyce.

Paolo Malatesta (born c. 1246-d.1285) was the third son of Malatesta da Verucchio, lord of Rimini. He is best known for the story of his affair with Francesca da Polenta, portrayed by Dante in a famous episode of his Inferno (Canto V). He was the brother of Giovanni (Gianciotto) and Malatestino Malatesta.

Paolo married in 1269 with Orabile Beatrice, last countess of Ghiaggiolo; the title was inherited by their son Uberto. Despite usually depicted as a romantic man with little attention to wordly matters, the historical Paolo was longly present alongside his father in the wars against the Ghibellines of Romagna. In 1265 he fought against Guido da Montefeltro and, together with Guido da Polenta of Ravenna, against the Traversari.

In March 1282 Pope Martin V chose him as podestà of Florence; in this occasion probably Dante met him. Paolo's career was however halted when his relationship with Francesca da Polenta was discovered by her husband Gianciotto, who killed them.