Dante's Tomb

This was a last minute stop by after seeing Dante's Alighieri's Tomb. The basilica is renowned for hosting the funeral of the famous poet Dante Alighieri in 1321. His remains are interred nearby in the Tomb of Dante. Franciscan Order: In 1261, the church was handed over to the Franciscans and rededicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. The Basilica of San Francesco in Ravenna, Italy, is a historic church originally built in the 5th century and dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It is notable for its partially flooded crypt and for hosting the funeral of the famous poet Dante Alighieri in 1321, with his remains resting nearby in the Tomb of Dante. Dante Alighieri's Funeral: The basilica is renowned for hosting the funeral of the famous poet Dante Alighieri in 1321. His remains are interred nearby in the Tomb of Dante.

Mourning place where the greatest Italian poet arrived in Ravenna in 1317 and died here in 1321. The neoclassical shrine built in 1780 houses his former tomb, surmounted by a bas-relief sculpted by Pietro Lombardo in 1483, depicting the poet absorbed in his reading. In the garden to the right, a small mound marks the spot where Dante's remains were hidden during World War II to protect them from destruction and theft. And each September, the anniversary of Dante Alighieri's death is commemorated with a offering of Tuscan olive oil on his tomb ... Nevertheless, the entire Dante area took on its current romantic appearance between 1921 and 1932, with the restoration of the Basilica of San Francesco, the Braccioforte Chapel, and Dante's Tomb. To comprehend the whole story regarding the tomb, it is essential to mention the first cloister named after Dante and remained in the hands of the Conventual friars until 1810. On the ground floor, it unfolds into a magnificent loggia bordered by white marble columns with Doric capitals. In the center is a well adorned with sculptures. The second, called "della Cassa", has an irregular shape determined by the different number of arches in the loggia on the ground floor. The columns are made of Istrian stone, red Veronese marble, and Greek marble. A plaque commemorates the spot where in 1519 the friars drilled a hole to reach the ancient sarcophagus in which Dante's mortal remains remained, in order to steal them and prevent them from being taken by the Florentines. Pope Leo X, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, had in fact "returned" them to Florence, after several requests for their restitution had been rejected. The bones were only rediscovered in 1865, not far from the Braccioforte Chapel. These oases of peace have hosted precious recitals and readings dedicated to Dante Alighieri.

This is not just a monument; it is a shrine. For over 700 years, Florence has tried to get Dante back, but he remains here in Ravenna, the city that sheltered him during his exile. The tomb itself is a small, dignified Neoclassical temple (built in 1780) that sits quietly at the end of a street. It is emotional, simple, and deeply revered by the locals.

A compact neoclassical mausoleum (1780) by Camillo Morigia. Inside, Pietro Lombardi’s 1483 relief shows Dante at his lectern; a silver lamp burns Tuscan oil, sent each September by Florence. The Latin epigraph mourns exile, and an Italian army bronze wreath dates to 1921. Through the gate on the right is the quiet Zona dantesca and the Quadrarco di Braccioforte with medieval sarcophagi. The ivy-covered mound marks where friars hid Dante’s bones in 1944-45, another chapter in the long tug-of-war with Florence over his remains. Small, moving, and usually calm - worth pausing to read the plaques and look up at the stuccoed dome.

A very beautiful tomb which holds the remains of Italy’s most celebrated poet; Dante. The tomb can get busy at times, but at other times it is deserted. It is very serene and peaceful considering its central location.

Beautiful tomb in a very serene area in Ravenna. A touching memorial to a fantastic poet. The tomb is right beside an amazing church also.

Ravenna,beautiful city..brings summer vibes and the place where Dante has lived his last years

Dante's Tomb (Tomba di Dante) in Ravenna is a profound tribute to one of literature's greatest figures. Nestled in a serene garden, the mausoleum features a stunning neoclassical design with intricate details that reflect the poet’s immense legacy. Visitors find a sense of reverence as they observe the sarcophagus, surrounded by statues representing Dante’s influence. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for reflection on his contributions to literature and philosophy. A must-visit for anyone exploring Ravenna's rich cultural history!

I really enjoyed this site and all the surrounding artifacts that were dedicated to Dante and his life. Take your time to read all the details. The works of Dante are timeless, I was fascinated to learn more about The Divine Comedy. Dante spent his final years in Ravenna and died there in 1321. The day after his death his funeral was held in the cloister of the basilica, then a Franciscan monastery, the Church of San Pier Maggiore, later called Basilica di San Francesco. He was then buried outside the cloister by the roadside in an ancient Roman sarcophagus, in which he still rests. The sarcophagus was moved to the west side of the cloister by Bernardo Bembo, Venetian podestà of Ravenna, at the end of the 15th century. A few years later Dante's hometown of Florence began making requests to have his remains returned. This had the support of two Medici popes, Pope Leo X and Pope Clement VII. The first request was supported by Michelangelo and in 1519 Leo granted Florence permission to move the sarcophagus there, but the Franciscans had enough time to make a hole in the wall and secretly move Dante's bones there. A Tuscan delegation duly arrived but found the sarcophagus empty... I will not go on, but this story is told during the tour and it is fascinating.