Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Memorial · Ravena, Emília-Romanha
Tomba di Dante
Neoclassical tomb of Dante Alighieri, who died in Ravena in 1321. A votive lamp fueled with oil from Tuscany, offered by Florence, remains lit inside.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Tomba di Dante
Exiled from Florence, Dante Alighieri spent the last years of his life in Ravena, where he finished the Divine Comedy and died in 1321. He was buried next to the church of San Francesco. The small neoclassical temple visible today was built in 1780–1781 by the Ravenna architect Camillo Morigia, at the initiative of the cardinal legate Luigi Valenti Gonzaga.
Inside, a 15th-century marble relief shows the poet at his reading desk. From the ceiling hangs an 18th-century votive lamp, kept lit with oil from the Tuscan hills. Every year, on the second Sunday of September, the municipality of Florence presents the oil in a ceremony at the tomb.
Florence requested Dante’s remains back several times, without success. The Franciscan friars even hid the bones to prevent the transfer, and they were only rediscovered in the 19th century.
The area around is the Zona del Silenzio, which includes the tomb, the garden of the Quadrarco di Braccioforte, the Franciscan cloisters and the Museo Dante. Next door is the Basilica di San Francesco, whose crypt, below sea level, is flooded and contains fish.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 15–20 minutes at the tomb; 1 hour including the Museo Dante and the Basilica di San Francesco.
Best time
At any opening time; early in the morning the area is quieter. In September readings and Dante-related events often take place.
How to get there
It is on Via Dante Alighieri, about a 5-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo and 15 minutes from Ravena station.
Tip
Observe the requested silence in the area. Visit the crypt of the Basilica di San Francesco next door to see the floor mosaic under the water. The Museo Dante has a separate ticket.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tomba di Dante
Why is Dante buried in Ravena and not in Florence?
He was exiled from Florence and died in Ravena in 1321. The city never returned the remains, despite Florence's requests over the centuries.
What is the lamp lit at the tomb?
An 18th-century votive lamp, fed with oil from Tuscany that Florence presents every year on the second Sunday of September.
Is there a charge to visit the tomb?
Entrance to the tomb is usually free. The Museo Dante next door charges admission. Check before you go.