In the path that leads from the Pieve di Polenta (Parish church of Polenta) to the Rocca di Bertinoro (Castle of Bertinoro), through the Colonna degli Anelli (Column of the Rings or Column of hospitality), it is possible to relive the hallmark of Dante's Divine Comedy: the highest form of Italian poetry that becomes an integral part of our life. You can imagine and catch a glimpse of Dante absorbed in prayer, meet the noble figure of Francesca and meet Guido del Duca, Arrigo Mainardi and Lizio da Valbona who tell stories of love, exile and hospitality, of courtesy, liberality, courage and ingenuity. Among the ancient stones of Bertinoro we thus find ourselves midway upon the journey of our life.
At Dante's pace
Useful Information
Points of interest
Parish church of San Donato di Polenta
Taking inspiration from the simple beauty of this place, where a soft light coming from the windows illuminates the ancient sculptures of the capitals like a poem, like a piece of eternity, Carducci recalls how Dante was engrossed in prayer and Francesca toughened her burning eyes with laughter among the discreet side aisles of the Pieve di Polenta (Parish church of Polenta).
Giosué Carducci
A bust is dedicated to the poet surrounded by the coats of arms of important Italian cities, from Rome to Milan, Florence, Siena just to name a few, which was inaugurated in September 1932, twenty-five years after the death of the poet who, with his Ode alla Chiesa di Polenta (Ode to the Church of Polenta), brought to everyone's memory the hospitality Dante received from the lords of this land.
Cypress of Francesca
The great episodes of history are made up of small gestures: like that of Carducci who decided to replant the cypress known as “Cypress of Francesca”, which was destroyed following a strong storm. A tree to remember the point from which the young girl, betrothed to the nobleman and lord of Rimini Malatesta, could admire the gentle hills full of vineyards and the sea on the horizon.
Ordelaffi Palace
Dante arrived in Romagna and was hosted by Scarpetta Ordelaffi, lord of Forlì and Bertinoro, one of the most powerful Ghibelline families in Romagna, who had built their palace in the heart of the town at the beginning of the 14th century. The restoration of the 1930s gave new life to the swallow-tailed Ghibelline merlons, a reminder of the anti-papal militancy that claimed freedom for this land.
Column of Hospitality
Erected by will of Guido del Duca, whom Dante meets in the 14th canto of the Purgatory, it symbolises that virtue of courtesy that, by inviting individuals to hospitality, made Bertinoro renowned during the 13th century and that, still to the very day, celebrates a rite that continues to teach the citizens of this town and the whole of Romagna the competitive value of hospitality.
Castle of Bertinoro
Dante spent one of his first long winters in exile in the Rocca di Bertinoro (Castle of Bertinoro), under the protection of Scarpetta Ordelaffi, lord of Forlì and Bertinoro. Overlooking the natural terrace offered by the internal courtyard from where you now have access to the Museo Interreligioso (Interreligious Museum), while the fog slowly dissipated as the day came to light, Dante could look across the plains to the sea where the river Po descends.
