Dante's tomb and Quadrarco of Braccioforte

Welcome to the 'Zona del Silenzio'—the Zone of Silence. We are standing at one of the most hallowed sites in world literature: the final resting place of Dante Alighieri. …

The tomb you see today is a small, elegant temple designed by the architect Camillo Morigia in 1780. Commissioned by the Papal Legate Cardinal Gonzaga, it is a masterpiece of Neoclassicism. …

Just to the side of the tomb is an ancient oratory and cemetery area known as the Quadrarco di Braccioforte. The name 'Braccioforte' (Strong Arm) comes from a medieval legend of two people who invoked the 'strong arm of Christ'…

Dominating the square next to the tomb is the Basilica of San Francesco. This was Dante's parish church during his years in Ravenna, and it was here that his funeral was held in 1321. …

The 'Zone of Silence' also holds memories of another great poet: Lord Byron. The British Romantic poet lived in Ravenna from 1819 to 1821, staying in a palace just a short walk from here. …

As we reflect on Dante's tomb, we must consider the intellectual magnitude of the man buried here. Before Dante, the literary language of the Italian peninsula was Latin, while the people spoke various local dialects. …

In 2021, Ravenna and the world celebrated the 700th anniversary of Dante’s death. This milestone saw a major renovation of the 'Zone of Silence' and the opening of new museum spaces dedicated to the poet. …

Our journey through the Zone of Silence brings us to a moment of final reflection. We have seen how Ravenna, a city of mosaics and emperors, became the guardian of Italy's greatest literary treasure. …