“Grateful, full of admiration, and never tiring of so much culture, beauty, and hospitality. Truly moving. Alessandro Giuli.”
These were the words written by Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli in the visitors’ book following his tour of the Byron and Risorgimento Museums. He was accompanied by Antonio Patuelli, President of the Cassa di Ravenna and first conceiver of the museums; Giulia Patuelli; Mirella Falconi Mazzotti, President of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna; Vice President Franco Gabici; Secretary General Giancarlo Bagnariol; Museum Director Alberta Fabbri; and among the authorities present, the Mayor of Ravenna Alessandro Barattoni, Prefect Raffaele Ricciardi, and Ravenna Soprintendente Federica Gonzato.
The Minister spent a great deal of time in each gallery, repeatedly expressing his fascination. He engaged extensively with the interactive exhibits, particularly the multimedia presentations related to Byron’s works, asking numerous questions about the memorabilia and historical reconstructions, especially the documents attesting to Byron’s connections with the Carbonari movement.
At the end of the visit, Minister Giuli did not conceal his admiration for both the exceptionally rich collections of first editions, memorabilia, documents, and historical testimonies on display, and for the museums’ museographic approach and multimedia storytelling, among the most modern and inclusive in the world. Despite his extremely busy schedule, his visit lasted well beyond the planned time and continued with a tour of Dante’s Tomb and the Dantean Cloisters, once again guided by President Falconi Mazzotti.
Earlier in the day, Minister Giuli had visited Ravenna’s Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape Superintendency, guided by Soprintendente Federica Gonzato; the National Museum of Ravenna with Director Andrea Sardo; and the Basilica of San Vitale and the Museum of Galla Placidia, accompanied by the Archbishop of Ravenna and Cervia, Monsignor Lorenzo Ghizzoni.
Minister Alessandro Giuli’s visit further highlights the strong interest in the museums shown by leading national and international institutions; the museums were keenly promoted and then established by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna. Previous distinguished visitors have included European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, and King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom, during the state visit that also brought Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Ravenna.
Ravenna, 15th May 2026
