Museo Dante (Dante Museum), Ravenna

Situated not far from the final resting place of the Supreme Poet, the Dante Museum offers an immersive exploration of the life, works, and enduring legacy of Dante Alighieri, the illustrious figure often referred to as the father of the Italian language. This remarkable museum is located on the first floor of the former Franciscan convent, creating an intimate and enlightening journey into the world of Dante.

The origins of the Dante Museum trace back to its inauguration in 1921, commemorating the 600th anniversary of the poet's passing. The museum's establishment was a collaborative effort between Ambrogio Annoni, the then Superintendent of Ravenna, and Corrado Ricci, a distinguished architect from Ravenna. Initially, the museum served as a repository for relics and memorabilia that belonged to the municipality. It housed plaques and various items sent from around the world to celebrate Dante in 1908 and 1921.

The Dante Museum comprises several rooms, each contributing to an emotionally charged odyssey through history and visual narratives. It delves into Dante's human odyssey and artistic contributions, with a particular emphasis on his epic masterpiece, the Divine Comedy, and its profound influence on art and culture. Among the museum's treasures is the very box in which the friars concealed Dante's remains and the chest in which they were exhibited in 1865 following their fortuitous rediscovery. These artifacts hold a pivotal place in the compelling narrative of Dante's life and posthumous impact.