Ravenna

Dante's Final Refuge: The Mosaics, The Bones, and The Divine Comedy

1.2 km72 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the shadows of 14th-century Ravenna and trace the final, dramatic years of Dante Alighieri. This cerebral and intimate walking tour explores how a bitter Florentine exile found solace among Byzantine mosaics, translating their celestial light into the final cantos of his 'Divine Comedy'. But the story doesn't end with his death. Uncover a centuries-long thriller involving stolen bones, defiant monks, and a perpetual apology from the city that condemned him. Join Max, a historian, and Irene, a Ravenna local, on a journey through poetry, politics, and the eternal search for home.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Battistero Neoniano

A 5th-century baptistery whose dazzling Byzantine mosaics are believed to have inspired the celestial imagery of Dante's 'Paradiso'.

Battistero Neoniano

Pic by Szeder László on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.49 km • 7 min
2

STOP 2

TAMO Museum

A museum showcasing contemporary mosaics inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, proving his legacy is still a living art form.

TAMO Museum

Pic by LadyBathory1974 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.38 km • 6 min
3

STOP 3

Basilica di San Francesco

Dante's parish church and the site of his funeral, famous for its haunting, flooded crypt.

Basilica di San Francesco

Pic by José Luiz on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.32 km • 5 min
4

STOP 4

Museo Dantesco

A museum dedicated to Dante's final years, highlighting the fascinating gaps in the historical record.

Museo Dantesco

Pic by Gianni Careddu on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.01 km • 0 min
5

STOP 5

Quadrarco di Braccioforte

An ancient portico where Franciscan monks secretly hid Dante's bones for centuries to protect them from Florence.

Quadrarco di Braccioforte

Pic by Bebetta25 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.01 km • 0 min
6

END

Tomba di Dante

The neoclassical tomb where Dante finally rests, illuminated by an eternal flame fueled by Florence.

Tomba di Dante

Pic by Gianni Careddu on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Literature lovers, history buffs, poetry enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a deep, cerebral dive into medieval Italian politics and art.
  • Best time Late afternoon, when the fading light mirrors the atmospheric shadows of Dante's exile and the mosaics glow most intensely.
  • Footwear Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and uneven crypt floors.
  • Lighting Bring a small flashlight or use your phone to illuminate darker mosaic details.
  • Pacing Take your time in the museums; the exhibits reward slow, contemplative viewing.
  • Silence The tomb area is a zone of silence (Zona Dantesca); please keep voices low.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Max Krämer
Audio sample
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Max Krämer

  • History & Memory
  • Northern Germany

Historian with a passion for urban places of remembrance. Has worked in archives and museums for years; shows the traces of revolutions, monuments, and colonial pasts in today's streets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

Now only €3.99 incl. VAT