Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi, Florence
Tradition has it that it was in this little church in Florence that Dante, at the tender age of nine, met his beloved Beatrice for the very first time.
This is the church where Beatrice’s family, the Portinari, were buried, which is why it is possible to see the burial tablet of Folco Portinari, the father of Dante’s muse.
There is also a gravestone in the church that is engraved with the name Beatrice Portinari, however this appears to be a fake, in that her married name being Bardi, her actual tomb should be in her husband’s family sepulchre in Santa Croce.
In any case, it is a fascinating site nonetheless, where it is customary to leave a note next to the gravestone that commemorates Beatrice.
Church of Santa Margherita dei Cerchi
Via Santa Margherita
50122 Florence
Italy
