If beach days seem eternal and you’re craving culture this summer, then take a deep dive into Dante as celebrations for the Supreme Poet continue with top-class exhibitions and even a historic train that takes you through the poet’s places in Tuscany.
SHOW + TOUR / Casentino in the Commedia
July 16 to November 30
Poppi Castle
The converted stables of Poppi’s striking Conti Guidi Castle is the site for the thought-provoking exhibition, Nel Segno di Dante – Il Casentino nella Commedia, which features works on loan from the Uffizi, such as drawings by Federico Zuccari. A tour of the local verdant area is also recommended for literary lovers, who can discover Dante’s places in the Casentino, including his spell as a guest of the Guidi Counts and his military days at the Battle of Campaldino in 1289. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 10am-7pm. Tickets cost 7 euro.
Castello di Poppi,
piazza della Repubblica 1, Poppi, Arezzo
RAIL / Florence to Ravenna on the Dante train
Weekends from July 3 to October 10
Ph/ Dario Nardella IG
Follow in the footsteps of the father of the Italian language and hop aboard the Dante train, which departs from platform 16 of Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station. The traditional steam train runs along the historic Faenza railway line, passing through Borgo San Lorenzo and Marradi in Tuscany and Brisighella and Faenza in Romagna before eventually connecting the city of Dante Alighieri’s birth with that of his death. Wheels in motion at 8.50am, with expected arrival time in Ravenna at 12.20pm before setting off on the return journey at 5.55pm, bringing you back to Florence for 9pm. Round trip: 54.50 euro. One way: 29 euro.
EXHIBITION / Dante, The Vision of Art
Until July 14
Francesca all’Inferno
This world-class display focuses on the great literary figure with masterpieces by Andrea del Castagno, Michelangelo and Pontormo on loan from the Uffizi as well as top international museums like the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. Dante sought shelter in Forlì after leaving Arezzo in the autumn of 1302, spending over a year with the Ordelaffi and Ghibelline lords. For the exhibition, the portraits of Alighieri and Farinata degli Uberti by Andrea del Castagno have been sent to the Romagna city, presenting a rare occasion to admire them as they are not usually visible to the public at their location in the church of San Pier Scheraggio. Tickets cost 16 euro.
San Domenico Museum,
piazza Guido da Montefeltro, Forlì
