Dante Alighieri, the Supreme Poet, is a central figure in Italian and world literature, best known for his masterpiece, the Divine Comedy. His life and work are intricately tied to many Italian cities, each preserving traces of his presence and influence. If you are an enthusiast of Italian literature and wish to learn more about the life and works of this immense artist, this article is for you. The itinerary we propose will guide you through some of the most significant places in Dante’s life, offering you a fascinating journey through time and space.
1. Florence: Dante’s Cradle
Piazza Santa Croce
Start your journey in Florence, the birthplace of Dante. Here, you can visit the Museo Casa di Dante, located in the medieval quarter where the poet was born in 1265. Although it is not precisely the location where Dante’s birthplace once stood, this museum offers a rich collection of documents and artifacts related to Dante’s life and work. A series of technological and multimedia displays allow for a more engaging discovery of the life and works of the Supreme Poet, encompassing his various roles throughout his life: politician, soldier, poet, and his most intimate self. Hall 7 is the heart of the museum, featuring an immersive show “L’Amor che move il sole e l’altre stelle” (“The love that moves the sun and the other stars”), which, through visual and auditory suggestions, allows visitors to experience the otherworldly journey the poet took in writing the Divine Comedy.
Piazza del Duomo and the “Dante’s Stone”
Continue towards the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, where Dante was baptized. The nearby Torre della Pagliazza and the Baptistery of San Giovanni are places mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy. Also, admire the statue of Dante in Piazza Santa Croce, in front of the namesake basilica. Near the famous Piazza del Duomo, you can find the celebrated “Dante’s Stone,” where tradition holds that Dante would rest and watch the construction of the Cathedral.
Church of Santa Margherita de’ Cerchi
Not far away, visit the Church of Santa Margherita de’ Cerchi, also known as Dante’s Church. Here, it is said that Dante met his muse, Beatrice Portinari. The church houses a commemorative tomb for Beatrice and a dedication book where visitors leave messages for Dante’s beloved.
2. Verona: The City of Exile
Piazza dei Signori
Dante spent several years in exile in Verona, hosted by the Scaliger family. His statue stands tall in Piazza dei Signori, a testament to the deep bond between the poet and the city. Here, you can stroll under the arcades and admire the medieval architecture that Dante would have seen.
Casa di Giulietta
Although more famous for its association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the Casa di Giulietta is a suggestive place to visit to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Verona that Dante knew.
3. Ravenna: Dante’s Final Resting Place
Dante’s Tomb
Ravenna is the last stop on our itinerary, where Dante spent the last years of his life and where he is buried. Dante’s Tomb, located near the Basilica of San Francesco, is a pilgrimage site for admirers of the poet. Every year on September 13th, a ceremony is held in honor of the poet, with a solemn procession and the laying of a laurel wreath on his tomb.
Basilica of San Francesco
Visit the Basilica of San Francesco, where Dante’s funeral was held in 1321. Nearby, you will also find the Quadrarco di Braccioforte, a quiet and reflective spot that hosts a column with an inscription dedicated to Dante.
Museo Dantesco
In Ravenna, do not miss the Museo Dantesco, which offers a vast collection of works and documents celebrating Dante’s life and work. The museum is an excellent way to deepen your knowledge of the poet and his time.
Conclusion
Organizing your trip in Italy on the trail of Dante’s life is an undoubtedly fascinating journey that will take you to discover some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, each with its unique history and special connection to the Supreme Poet. From the streets of Florence, where Dante was born and began writing, to Ravenna, where he found his final resting place, this itinerary will offer you an unforgettable experience, immersing you in the life and work of one of the greatest geniuses of world literature.
