Dante Pass

Today our class hiked from San Giuliano Terme up the mountain that sits between Pisa and Lucca and along Dante Pass. The healing hot springs of San Giuliano attracted many of the European elite and the beauty of the area inspired a number of writers including Dante and later the Shelley’s (Percy & Mary). Dante sits near the mountaintop on the pass that bears his name, looking down at Pisa. Can you find the leaning tower of Pisa (extra photo)? Dante’s quote on the plaque reads, “Al monte per che i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno” which roughly translated, “ To the mountain therefore the Pisans cannot see Lucca.” (Pisa and Lucca were mortal enemies back in the day).