Museo Casa di Dante Alighieri, Florence

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gianni Careddu

The Museo Casa di Dante is one of the things to do in Florence for anyone fascinated by the life and work of Italy's most celebrated poet. Situated between the Church of San Martino and Piazza dei Donati, the site marks the traditional location of Dante Alighieri's birthplace. Although the original medieval house no longer exists, early twentieth-century research led the City of Florence to reconstruct a residence on this historically significant spot. Today, the museum guides visitors through Dante's world across three engaging floors. It is also a great place to visit on a walking tour of Florence, offering context and atmosphere in one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods.

The museum provides an immersive introduction to Dante's early years, his political involvement in Florence, his tragic exile, and the extraordinary cultural influence he left behind. Whether you are a devotee of the Divine Comedy or simply curious about Florence's medieval past, the Casa di Dante remains one of the best places to visit in Florence.

History and Significance of Museo Casa di Dante

Although the exact location of Dante’s birthplace has never been definitively confirmed, historical documents point to the area around Piazza dei Donati and Via Dante Alighieri as the centre of his family’s presence. By the early twentieth century, the desire to honour Dante with a dedicated museum led to careful archival and archaeological investigation. Based on these studies, the city constructed a period-appropriate house on the traditional site, opening it to the public as the Museo Casa di Dante.

More than just a re-creation of a medieval home, the museum serves as a narrative pathway through Dante’s life. It highlights Florence’s turbulent political climate at the time of his birth in 1265, his involvement in the city’s Guelph-Ghibelline conflicts, and his eventual banishment-an exile that shaped the writing of the Divine Comedy and his identity as a citizen of nowhere and everywhere.

Today, the museum stands as a testament to Dante’s enduring cultural legacy. It draws visitors, scholars, and admirers from across the world, preserving the memory of Florence’s most famous writer.

Things to See and Do in Museo Casa di Dante

The first floor presents Dante's Florence-its medieval streets, civic tensions, and religious customs. Exhibits explore his childhood, his baptism in the Baptistery of San Giovanni, and his political career leading to his appointment as a city prior. Models and reproduced armory illustrate key episodes such as the Battle of Campaldino, in which Dante fought.

The second floor focuses on Dante's exile, beginning in 1301 when he was condemned by the Black Guelphs. The displays trace his movements through cities such as Forlì, Verona, and Bologna, highlighting the relationships and experiences that shaped his writing during this period. His final years in Ravenna with Guido da Polenta, where he died in 1321, are presented with sensitivity and historical insight.

The third floor celebrates Dante’s artistic afterlife. Visitors encounter reproductions of portraits and illustrations created by masters from the 1300s to the modern era, including Giotto, Beato Angelico, Andrea del Castagno, Ghirlandaio, Luca Signorelli, Raphael, and Michelangelo. This floor demonstrates how Dante’s image evolved over time and how generations of artists interpreted his legacy.

How to Get to Museo Casa di Dante

Florence Airport, Peretola, connects to the city centre via tram and taxi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Florence on Booking.com.

Santa Maria Novella train station is a 15-minute walk from the museum, weaving through the historic centre. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Driving is restricted due to the ZTL zone; parking outside the centre and walking or taking a taxi is recommended. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Museo Casa di Dante

• Suggested tips: Read a short summary of the Divine Comedy beforehand to enhance your visit.
• Best time to visit: Morning or midday to avoid peak crowds in the narrow medieval streets.
• Entrance fee in Euros: Around €5-€10.
• Opening hours: Generally open daily with seasonal variations.
• Official website: Museo Casa di Dante official site.
• How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Accessibility: Some areas require climbing stairs; limited accessibility.
• Facilities: Small shop; cafés and services nearby.
• Photography tip: Capture the medieval lane outside the museum for a sense of place.
• Guided tours: Audio guides and occasional guided visits available.
• Nearby food options: Plenty of trattorias and gelaterie around Via del Corso and Via Dante Alighieri.

Where to Stay close to Museo Casa di Dante

For a stay steeped in Florentine atmosphere, consider Hotel Brunelleschi, set within a restored medieval tower. A boutique option nearby is Firenze Suite, offering space and elegance. Another convenient choice is Hotel Pierre, close to both Dante’s neighbourhood and major sights.

Is Museo Casa di Dante Worth Visiting?

Yes. The Museo Casa di Dante offers a compelling look into the life, exile, and artistic influence of Italy's greatest poet. Its exhibits place visitors directly inside medieval Florence, making it an enlightening stop for literature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the world that shaped the Divine Comedy.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.9 (6,116)

House of Dante sits on the traditional site of Dante Alighieri's birthplace near the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio; the reconstructed medieval tower-house presents three compact floors of exhibits that trace medieval Florence and Dante's youth, his exile and political context with maps and documents, and a top level focused on the Commedia using manuscripts, models, projections and a VR experience—visitors describe it as small, informative and interactive though some note a lack of original relics and limited material about the house itself.

Loo Yeo

3 weeks ago

"Museo Casa di Dante stands in a tight knot of lanes between the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, on the traditional site of the Alighieri houses. The“house” is a 1910s reconstruction of a medieval stone tower-home, with a small courtyard, wellhead and Dante bust marking the entrance. Inside, three floors work more like a compact Dante centre than a period interior. The first reconstructs medieval Florence and Dante’s youth; the second follows exile, battles and factional politics with maps, documents and objects from his guild. The top floor turns to the Commedia, using manuscripts, models and immersive projections to walk visitors through Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. It’s a focused stop: small, didactic, and dense with context rather than relics..."

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Chris Who

6 months ago

"Great place. Little hard to find but just follow maps and you will find it. It was such an eye opener on a person I thought was a dull old bore. Farfrom it. I won't comment on his works as there are people far more qualified to explain that. However the place itself is wonderful to find out more about the man, his life and the world he lived in. It has alot of information but also alot of interactive displays which are great for anyone if any age. Very educational, informative and a little kinda fun. The video of the books is a very deep video. It does explain it but very much from his point of view rather than a modern aspect, but the museum is about him and how he thought so very much in the style of the place. VR experience at the top was great. Really loved the place. Vibe is interactive, educational and an unveiling of the mystery around the man...."

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Adam Bloom

a week ago

"They're really reaching here with "interactive" exhibits, a VR Room which is just a VR walk around modern day Florence and some wall displays withinfo about Dante. No relics from Dante's life and no real information about the house itself or the history. Just look at the house gem outside and read the Dante Wikipedia page - same outcome and save yourself €8..."

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FAQs for Visiting Museo Casa di Dante

Nearby Attractions to Museo Casa di Dante

• Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi - Known as “Dante’s church” and linked to Beatrice.
• Bargello Museum - A major sculpture collection nearby.
• Piazza della Signoria - Florence's historic civic centre.
• Orsanmichele - Gothic church rich with guild history.
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - Florence's iconic Duomo.

The Museo Casa di Dante Alighieri appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Florence!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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