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The
Legacy of Dante in the Streets of Florence
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Over a
hundred years ago the City of Florence placed thirty-four plaques on
which are inscribed passages from the Divine Comedy onto the exterior
walls of ancient buildings whose histories are connected to people and
places mentioned by Dante. Some are nostalgic remembrances,
others are scathing critiques of politicians, and more than a few
reflect the longing for his hometown he must have felt as he wrote in
exile.
Living on via Dante Alighieri I began to notice the cryptic inscriptions which grace the surrounding buildings; the life and work of this most phenomenal Florentine inspired me to learn about the medieval past still visible in so many buildings and streets in Florence today. |
A Unique Walking Tour of the Divine Comedy |
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Are you
up
for a walk around
the center? Join me as I reveal these clues to the
past. This is can be an introduction to the city's history, or an
enriching experience for someone already familiar with
the history of Florence or the text of the Divine Comedy. Whether
you prefer the history of the politics that Dante refers to, or the
literary significance of his imagery, I will customize an itinerary on
basis of your interests. We will trace the poet's ascent from the
lower
circles of hell to the heights of paradise, beginning with the house of
Fillipo Argenti (instrumental in Dante's exile) and ending at the
famous Baptistery where Dante himself was christened in 1265 and where
he vows to don his famous wreath if he ever returns from exile: Sei mai continga...vinca le crudelta che
fuor mi serra...in sul fonte del mio battesmo prendero il cappello.
But of course he never returned, and to this day the magnificent
sepulcher which bears his name lies empty in the Basilica of Santa
Croce. If you'd like we can also visit his memorial in Santa
Croce and the Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi (popularly known as
Dante's Church).
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