Reading of Canto I of the Inferno
On March 25, Italy celebrates Dantedì, the national day dedicated to Dante Alighieri, established in 2020 to honor the Supreme Poet and his extraordinary cultural legacy. The choice of date is not accidental: according to many scholars, it was precisely on March 25, 1300, that the journey narrated in the Divine Comedy—one of the greatest masterpieces of world literature—began.
Dantedì represents an opportunity to rediscover Dante not only as a poet, but also as a symbol of Italian cultural and linguistic identity. His works, and in particular the Divine Comedy, played a fundamental role in shaping the Italian language and profoundly influenced European culture over the centuries. On this day, schools, institutions, cultural organizations, and associations host public readings, meetings, performances, and in-depth events in tribute to his work and thought.
The Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto also take part in this celebration with a special initiative that brings together literature and nature in a highly evocative setting. At 3:00 PM, at the Petalo area, a reading of Canto I of the Inferno will take place—the famous opening of Dante’s journey, leading the reader “through a dark wood” at the beginning of a symbolic and universal path.
The verses will be read by Professor Silvia Magistrini, President of the Dante Alighieri Committee of Verbania and VCO, who will guide the audience through a moment of listening and understanding, conveying the full evocative power and timeless value of the text. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved indoors to the herbarium, ensuring it can take place as planned.
This event is part of a broader cultural enhancement program that sees the Gardens of Villa Taranto not only as a place of extraordinary botanical beauty, but also as a vibrant space where art, nature, and knowledge meet. Dantedì thus becomes an opportunity to experience poetry in an immersive way, guided by Dante’s words in an environment that enhances their charm.
An open invitation to all literature enthusiasts and visitors: the event is included in the admission ticket and is free of charge for residents of the VCO area, offering a shared celebration of one of the pillars of Italian culture in a unique and evocative setting.
