October 2020 - MUSEUM TOUR | Italy Desination Management

Dante Alighieri in Florence

Seven centuries have passed since the death of Dante Alighieri, the iconic Italian poet whose influence continues to weave through the historical streets of Florence. Despite profound transformations, the city still bears traces of Dante’s legacy, offering a captivating journey through time and art.

Dante’s Baptism and the Divine Comedy Tribute

Dante, likely baptized during the Holy Saturday ceremony in 1266 at the Baptistery of San Giovanni, found inspiration for his Divine Comedy in this octagonal building. Today, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands before the Baptistery, bearing witness to Dante’s time. Inside, a renowned tribute to the poet, Domenico di Michelino’s painting, captures Dante with the Divine Comedy in hand, immortalizing him in the heart of his masterpiece.

Santa Margherita dei Cerchi

A Haven of Love: The Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi, dating back to the first millennium, holds a significant place in Dante’s life. Here, amidst the ancient walls, Dante frequently met his muse, Beatrice Portinari. The church witnessed their love story, culminating in Beatrice’s marriage to Simone de’ Bardi. The little notes left on Beatrice’s tomb make this place a symbol of eternal love, although superstitions caution against reading them.

Casa di Dante

Tracing the Poet’s Residence: Moving ahead to the “Church of Dante,” visitors discover the “Casa di Dante” in a small square. While the current building was reconstructed in the 20th century, the original house likely stood on Via Dante Alighieri. The museum housed within the “Casa di Dante” provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval Florence, spanning three floors with exhibits detailing the city’s history in the 14th century.

As Florence continues to evolve, Dante’s presence endures, connecting past and present. Exploring these timeless locations provides a profound insight into the life of the Great Poet and the medieval charm of this Italian city.

Torre della Castagna and Oratorio dei Buonomini di San Martino

Opposite Dante’s house, a small square reveals the Torre della Castagna, an ancient tower existing since the 3rd century. Nearby stands the Oratorio dei Buonomini di San Martino, where Dante may have married Gemma Donati in 1285. These historic landmarks showcase Florence’s rich tapestry of Dante’s life and the city’s medieval legacy.

Piazza Santa Croce

Enchanting Dante’s Statue: A stroll to Piazza Santa Croce offers a breathtaking view of Enrico Pazzi’s Carrara marble statue of Dante. Created in 1865 to commemorate the poet’s 600th birthday, the statue depicts a stern Dante wrapped in a cloak, flanked by four marzocchi and an eagle. Originally placed in the square, the statue was later moved to the churchyard of the Basilica in 1967, allowing for historical football events to take place.

Matera and his “Sassi”

Nestled in the quiet corners of southern Italy, in the Basilicata region, lies Matera, a city that seems to smile at its visitors with a veil of poetry and melancholy, as described by G. Pascoli. Known for its enchanting Sassi, Matera has managed to remain a well-kept secret, hidden from the bustling crowds of foreign tourists.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Matera unveils a unique urban core, with houses carved into tuff rock and a labyrinth of alleys, rock churches, and underground tunnels that showcase a perfect harmony with its natural surroundings.

Exploring Matera’s Architectural Marvels

Matera’s Sassi, divided into the Sasso Barisano and the Sasso Caveoso, offer a spectacular architectural complex adapted seamlessly to the natural context.

The Cathedral, perched atop the city, presents a breathtaking view of the Sasso Barisano. Its Romanesque-Apulian facade, adorned with a captivating rose window and depictions of archangel Michael, narrates tales of ancient protectors and architectural prowess. The rock churches, dating back to the early Middle Ages, are scattered throughout the Sassi, showcasing a fascinating blend of Greek Orthodox and Latin influences.

Hidden Treasures and Artistic Wonders

Discovering Matera’s rock churches is a journey through time. From the 17th-century reconstruction of the Church of San Pietro Barisano to the Crypt of Original Sin, often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of rock wall painting, Matera’s religious structures are a testament to cultural and architectural evolution. The intricate frescoes of the Crypt of Original Sin, dating back to the 8th-9th century, unveil biblical scenes and saints, earning it the local name “Cave of the Hundred Saints.”

Il Palombaro Lungo, Matera’s Silent Cathedral of Water

Beneath the central Piazza Vittorio lies Il Palombaro Lungo, an impressive cistern that once served as a water reserve for Sasso Caveoso. Built in 1846, this engineering marvel remained hidden until 1991 when it was uncovered during square renovations. The cistern, resembling a “cathedral of water,” invites visitors on a captivating journey through one of the world’s largest underground reservoirs.

Matera, with its Sassi, rock churches, and culinary delights, stands as a testament to Italy’s cultural richness. As UNESCO’s hidden gem, Matera welcomes those willing to venture off the beaten path, revealing a city that smiles through the ages, sharing its poetry, history, and genuine charm with every visitor

Gastronomic Delights

Matera’s allure extends beyond its architectural wonders to its gastronomy. The city’s cuisine, characterized by simple and genuine ingredients, boasts dishes like Pignata, Ciallèdd, and Crapiata. These delicacies, paired with robust reds like Aglianico and Primitivo, offer a taste of Matera’s rich culinary heritage.