If the English-speaking world has Shakespeare then the Italian-speaking world has Dante Alighieri, a name familiar to many worldwide in connection to his most famous work, his so-called, “Divine Comedy,” as it is referred to in English. One of the defining works of literature throughout history, this incredibly important and influential piece is a beloved tome around the globe and many Dante-lovers hope to one day visit Tuscany and see many of the things and places that he described in his great tale of an epic journey through the afterlife. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are an admirer of Dante's then there is one attraction that is, without a doubt, an absolute must-see: the Museum of the House of Dante Alighieri.
The Museum of the House of Dante Alighieri, or the House of Dante, is a medieval building located in one of the oldest parts of the historic core of the city on the street of Santa Margherita. This building, while not actually the house in which he was born, is located in the area between the Church of Saint Martino and the Piazza dei Donati that documents note was where the Alighieri family lived at the time, in the 13th century, and, though it had to be restored from a somewhat dilapidated state at the beginning of the 20th century when the museum was first planned, it largely maintains its appearance from Dante's lifetime. It was, therefore, decided upon as the best place to house a museum dedicated to the Father of the Italian Language, and is now one of the most important literary museums in the city.
The Museum of the House of Dante Alighieri, or the House of Dante, is a medieval building located in one of the oldest parts of the historic core of the city on the street of Santa Margherita. This building, while not actually the house in which he was born, is located in the area between the Church of Saint Martino and the Piazza dei Donati that documents note was where the Alighieri family lived at the time, in the 13th century, and, though it had to be restored from a somewhat dilapidated state at the beginning of the 20th century when the museum was first planned, it largely maintains its appearance from Dante's lifetime. It was, therefore, decided upon as the best place to house a museum dedicated to the Father of the Italian Language, and is now one of the most important literary museums in the city.
Spread over three floors, the museum presents various key documents and works from Dante's life while telling the story of the author and his artistic output. The first floor gives context to Florence at the time of Dante's birth and discusses his early life and experiences including his baptism, childhood, appointment as a city prior, and his involvement in political movements and military struggles with a model of the Battle of Campaldino and armoury reproductions further illustrating this part of his life and career and bringing the time period to life for visitors. On the second floor, the museum looks at Dante's exile from Florence in 1301 and his time in different parts of Italy such as Forlì, Verona, and Bologna until the poet spent his final years in Ravenna until his death in 1321. The third floor then looks at Dante's iconography and legacy, displaying the works of art inspired by his writing, including reproductions of pieces by the likes of Giotto, Beato Angelico, Andrea del Castagno, Ghirlandaio, Luca Signorelli, Raphael, and Michelangelo. On display inside the museum one can find all sorts of interesting original items and reproductions including the likes of the battlefield recreation, documents, reproductions of famous artworks, reproductions of clothing and uniforms from Dante's time, coins from the period, temporary thematic exhibitions based on Dante and his influence on other artists and writers, and more.
Recently reopened to the public on the 24th of June after being closed for the duration of lockdown in Italy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum is open during the winter months (from November 1st to March 31st) Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. During the summer (from April 1st to October 31st), it is open daily from 10 am to 6pm. Full-price tickets cost €8 with reduced rates for students, seniors, children, and free entry for kids under six and disabled visitors. If you are interested in the life and work of Dante and the history of the city of Florence and you have found a vacation rental in Florence then it is a must-see as a wonderful and incredibly interesting and informative tribute to one of the most famous sons of Tuscany throughout history.
Recently reopened to the public on the 24th of June after being closed for the duration of lockdown in Italy amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum is open during the winter months (from November 1st to March 31st) Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. During the summer (from April 1st to October 31st), it is open daily from 10 am to 6pm. Full-price tickets cost €8 with reduced rates for students, seniors, children, and free entry for kids under six and disabled visitors. If you are interested in the life and work of Dante and the history of the city of Florence and you have found a vacation rental in Florence then it is a must-see as a wonderful and incredibly interesting and informative tribute to one of the most famous sons of Tuscany throughout history.
