How long does it take to walk the Dante route in Florence?

The walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This includes time to stop at landmarks like the Torre della Castagna and the Bargello, though you should allow extra time if you plan to enter the museums.

Is the House of Dante the real house where he lived?

The current Museo Casa di Dante is a 1911 reconstruction. However, it was built on the exact site of the Alighieri family homes in the medieval heart of Florence, using period-accurate materials and styles.

Can I see Dante’s tomb on this walking route?

No, Dante is buried in Ravenna, where he died in exile. However, you can see his cenotaph (empty tomb) at the Basilica of Santa Croce, which is a popular 10-minute extension to this walk.

Is the Dante walking route in Florence family-friendly?

Yes, it is an easy, flat walk that is manageable for families. Children often enjoy finding the 'hidden' profile of Dante on the pavement and looking at the scary mosaics in the Baptistery.

What is the 'Church of Dante'?

The Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi is known as the 'Church of Dante' because it is where the poet allegedly first met Beatrice Portinari. It is located just steps from the House of Dante and contains the Portinari family tomb.

When is the best time to explore medieval Florence?

The best time is early morning, around 8:30 AM. This allows you to see the narrow medieval alleys before they become crowded with large groups and delivery vehicles.

Are there many hills on this Florence walking route?

No, this specific route through the Duomo and Dante district is almost entirely flat. The main challenge is the uneven cobblestones typical of the historic center.

Where can I see the oldest portrait of Dante?

The oldest portrait of Dante, painted by Giotto, is located inside the Chapel of the Podestà within the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, which is the fifth stop on this route.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the grand Renaissance palazzos and dive into the narrow, shadowed alleys of the 13th century with this self-guided walk through Dante’s Florence. Long before the Medici family rose to power, Florence was a city of stone towers, bitter family feuds, and a burgeoning literary scene that would change the world forever. This neighborhood stroll follows the footsteps of Dante Alighieri, the Supreme Poet, exploring the physical remains of the city he loved and was eventually exiled from. You will discover the medieval heart of the city, where the Guelphs and Ghibellines once clashed and where the Divine Comedy first began to take shape in the mind of its creator. On this walking route, you will encounter the ancient Torre della Castagna, where the city’s leaders once sought refuge, and the humble church where Dante is said to have first glimpsed his muse, Beatrice Portinari. The route winds through the historic district of the Duomo and the medieval center, highlighting landmarks like the Badia Fiorentina and the Bargello, which served as the seat of government during Dante’s lifetime. Each stop offers a window into the daily life of a medieval Florentine, from the politics of the Priors to the spiritual importance of the Baptistery of St. John, which Dante affectionately called his 'beautiful San Giovanni.' This independent exploration allows you to experience the atmosphere of the Middle Ages at your own pace. While Florence is often celebrated for its 15th-century art, this walk focuses on the grit and glory of the 1200s. It is a must-do for literature lovers and history enthusiasts looking for a deeper connection to the city's past. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this journey through the 'City of Lilies' provides a unique perspective on the man who shaped the Italian language. While many people look for a guided tour Florence offers plenty of hidden history that is best discovered through a self-guided walk like this one, allowing for quiet reflection in the very spots where the poet once stood.

Highlights

The ancient Torre della Castagna, one of the oldest towers in Florence

The Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi, the legendary meeting place of Dante and Beatrice

The Badia Fiorentina, whose bell tower is immortalized in the Divine Comedy

The Museo Nazionale del Bargello, where Dante’s exile was officially decreed

The Baptistery of St. John, the 'bel San Giovanni' where the poet was baptized

Tour Stops (6)

Torre della Castagna

Start exploring with Zigway at the Torre della Castagna, one of the few remaining medieval towers in Florence that escaped the 'leveling' of the city. Built in the 11th century, this tower served as the meeting place for the Priors of the Arts—the city’s governing body—before the Palazzo Vecchio was constructed. Its name, the 'Tower of the Chestnut,' comes from the ancient practice of using chestnuts as voting ballots. Imagine the tension within these thick stone walls as the city's leaders debated the fate of Florence while rival factions fought in the streets below. This structure represents the rugged, defensive architecture of Dante’s era, where every noble family lived in a fortified tower to protect themselves during civil unrest.

House of Dante

A short walk brings you to the Museo Casa di Dante. While the building you see today is a 20th-century reconstruction built on the site of the Alighieri family homes, it captures the essence of the neighborhood where the poet was born in 1265. This area was the epicenter of Dante’s world, filled with the sights and smells of a bustling medieval city. Outside, you may notice a curious detail on the paving stones: a profile of Dante etched into the ground, often kept visible by locals pouring water over it. This stop serves as a monument to the man whose work bridged the gap between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, creating the foundation for the modern Italian language.

Chiesa di Santa Margherita dei Cerchi

Enter the quiet sanctuary of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi, often called the 'Church of Dante.' This small, unassuming space is steeped in romantic legend. It is believed to be the place where Dante first saw Beatrice Portinari, the woman who became his eternal muse and the guide through Paradise in his Divine Comedy. Inside, you will find the Portinari family tomb and a basket where visitors often leave handwritten letters to Beatrice, asking for help with their own heartaches. Whether or not their famous encounters happened exactly here, the church remains a powerful symbol of the courtly love that defined much of Dante's literary output and personal mythology.

Badia Fiorentina

Directly across from the Bargello stands the Badia Fiorentina, the oldest monastery in Florence. Its slender, hexagonal bell tower is a landmark that Dante himself mentioned in the Paradiso, noting how its bells marked the hours for the Florentine citizens. The Badia was the most important religious site in the medieval city, and it was here that Dante reportedly attended Mass and watched Beatrice from afar. If the doors are open, the interior offers a peaceful retreat from the city noise, featuring Filippino Lippi’s masterpiece, 'The Apparition of the Virgin to St. Bernard.' The connection between the monastery and the poet reminds us of the deep religious convictions that underpin his epic poetry.

Museo Nazionale del Bargello

The imposing Bargello fortress was once the seat of the Podestà, the highest judicial magistrate in Florence. It was within these walls that Dante’s political career met its tragic end; in 1302, he was officially condemned to exile on charges of corruption and opposition to the Pope. He never returned to his beloved city again. Today, the building houses an incredible collection of Renaissance sculpture, but for Dante fans, the highlight is the Chapel of the Podestà. Inside, a fresco by Giotto contains the oldest known portrait of Dante Alighieri, painted by a man who was likely his contemporary and friend. Looking at his profile here, you see the poet before he became a legend.

Baptistery of St. John

The final stop on this self-guided adventure is the Baptistery of St. John, the octagonal jewel of the Piazza del Duomo. For Dante, this was the most sacred spot in Florence. He was baptized here, as were almost all Florentines for centuries. In the Inferno, he refers to it as 'mio bel San Giovanni' (my beautiful Saint John). The glittering gold mosaics of the ceiling, depicting the Last Judgment with its terrifying devils and suffering sinners, directly influenced Dante’s vivid descriptions of the circles of Hell. Standing before the 'Gates of Paradise' (the famous bronze doors added later), reflect on how this single building represents the spiritual home that the exiled poet longed for until the end of his life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dante’s Medieval Florence route is the top choice for literature lovers. This self-guided walk covers approximately 1 kilometer and focuses on the life of the Supreme Poet, visiting the church where he met Beatrice and the Baptistery he called 'beautiful San Giovanni.'