Dante in Venice Secrets of the Divine Comedy

Step into the world of Dante Alighieri and discover how Venice shaped his literary genius. From his brief stay in the city to the places that inspired his vision of the afterlife, this tour uncovers the hidden Dante within the Venetian landscape. Explore his connections to the city and see Venice through the eyes of the poet who immortalized it in his Divine Comedy. Explore the hidden connections between Dante Alighieri and Venice on this immersive walking tour. This immersive walking tour takes you to key landmarks linked to Dante’s journey, including the Palazzo Soranzo, where Dante was hosted as an ambassador, and the Arsenale, which inspired scenes in Inferno. Visit sites like the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto and Campo Santa Maria Formosa, hearing readings from the Divine Comedy along the way. Learn about Dante's life in exile, the political climate of Venice, and the lasting impact of his work on the city's culture.

1. 1

   Campo San Polo

   20 min

   Campo San Polo: The Soranzo Legacy: Begin the tour in Campo San Polo, one of Venice’s largest squares, dominated by the Palazzo Soranzo. Here, Dante was hosted in 1321 during his diplomatic mission on behalf of Guido Novello da Polenta, the lord of Ravenna. Learn about the Soranzo family and the historical context of Dante’s visit to Venice.

2. 2

   Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto

   20 min

   Church of San Giacomo di Rialto: The Heart of Venetian Trade Head to the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, one of the oldest churches in Venice, located near the iconic Rialto Bridge. Dante likely visited this area during his stay, where the bustling mercantile activity would have shaped his view of Venice. Discuss the significance of trade and commerce in Dante’s time and how it ties into his view of the world in the Divine Comedy.

3. 3

   Campo Santa Maria Formosa

   15 min

   Campo Santa Maria Formosa: The Merchant’s Venice This bustling square was a hub of commercial activity during the Middle Ages and offers a glimpse into the mercantile Venice Dante would have witnessed. Discuss the economic and political significance of the city and how it is reflected in Dante’s depiction of the Arsenale in Inferno (Canto XXI).

4. 4

   Palazzo Ducale

   20 min

   The Doge’s Palace: Dante’s Venice of Power The heart of Venetian power, the Doge’s Palace, represents the grandeur and complexity of the Serenissima. Dante would have been struck by its magnificence, echoing the divine justice that permeates the Divine Comedy.

5. 5

   Riva degli Schiavoni

   20 min

   Riva degli Schiavoni: Reflections of Exile Stroll along the Riva degli Schiavoni, once a thriving commercial port. Here, reflect on Dante’s life in exile, a theme central to his work, as he gazed across the sea and contemplated ideas of home and separation.

6. 6

   Arsenale di Venezia

   20 min

   The Arsenale: Infernal Imagery in Venice End the tour at the entrance to the Arsenale, Venice’s legendary shipyard, vividly described in Inferno (Canto XXI). Discover how Dante compares the work of the shipbuilders to infernal scenes, blending the symbolic and the real in this iconic location.

7. 7

   Venice

   5 min

   Each stop will be enriched with readings from the Divine Comedy, historical anecdotes, and connections between Dante’s legacy and Venice, creating a truly immersive cultural and literary experience.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.