Relations between Florence and Ravenna have been somewhat strained for, believe it or not, seven centuries. The reason is because one of Florence’s most illustrious native sons, Dante Alighieri, is buried in Ravenna instead of in his hometown. On their part, the citizens of Ravenna argue that he should remain where he is, with them: firstly, because Dante died of malaria in their city on September 14, 1321 on his return from a diplomatic mission to Venice and, secondly, because Florence had exiled him and he had chosen not to return to the place that had treated him so badly.
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