Sasso di Dante (Stone of Dante), Florence

Sasso di Dante was the stone from where Dante would contemplate and write poems on summer evenings while watching the Florence Cathedral being built. Although the stone itself is no longer to be found, a plaque on the southern wall of Piazza del Duomo, affixed to the side of a store that sells religious items, claims to mark the location where the stone once stood.

The last time Dante could have sat on his rock was in 1302, the year he was exiled from Florence, never to return. This site is also associated with an anecdote that highlights the renowned poet's exceptional memory. While deeply immersed in his thoughts, an acquaintance passed by and approached him, asking, "Oh Dante, what is your favorite food?" To which Dante replied, "eggs." The following year, the same inquisitive person encountered Dante still seated in his cherished spot and inquired, "with what?" Dante promptly responded, "with salt!"

In close proximity, you will find an old trattoria aptly named Sasso di Dante, occupying a significant portion of the piazza. Its covered outdoor seating area provides an ideal setting for a leisurely lunch in pleasant weather – a perfect opportunity to reflect on your day so far or plan for the adventures that lie ahead in the afternoon.