Chiesa di Santa Margherita de' Cerchi (Church of St. Margaret), Florence
They call this "Dante's Church" since it is where his family attended and where, at the age of 20, he officialized his arranged marriage with Gemma Donati; however, it appears as if another woman – Beatrice Portinari – stole the spotlight here. Having first caught sight of her at this small church when he was only nine years old, Dante would for decades thereafter regard her as a symbol of perfect female beauty and spiritual virtue. Despite encountering Beatrice again nine years later, Dante never truly knew her and, in a highly Platonic manner of affection, never even spoke to her. Eventually, she married another man and tragically passed away at a fairly young age...
Beatrice undeniably exerted a significant influence on Dante's literary works. In the third and final part of the "Divine Comedy," she guides the exiled poet through the nine celestial spheres of Heaven, leading him to the Empyrean, the abode of God. Within this humble church, Beatrice's grave can be found to the left of the main entrance, often accompanied by a basket filled with notes of unrequited love. With its subdued lighting and serene atmosphere enhanced by soft classical music, the Church of Saint Margaret ("Santa Margherita") provides a peaceful setting for introspection and contemplation.
Beatrice undeniably exerted a significant influence on Dante's literary works. In the third and final part of the "Divine Comedy," she guides the exiled poet through the nine celestial spheres of Heaven, leading him to the Empyrean, the abode of God. Within this humble church, Beatrice's grave can be found to the left of the main entrance, often accompanied by a basket filled with notes of unrequited love. With its subdued lighting and serene atmosphere enhanced by soft classical music, the Church of Saint Margaret ("Santa Margherita") provides a peaceful setting for introspection and contemplation.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Chiesa di Santa Margherita de' Cerchi (Church of St. Margaret) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di Santa Margherita de' Cerchi (Church of St. Margaret)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Florence, Italy
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Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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