Ravenna Celebrates Byron’s Birthday
An evening of poetry and culture, and a big cake to celebrate the birthday of Lord Byron, born in London on 22 January 1788 and now a permanent protagonist in Ravenna with a constant flow of scholars, enthusiasts, and lovers of Romanticism who daily visit the Byron and Risorgimento Museums of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna.
On the occasion of the great British poet’s birthday, seven reporters from prestigious American and British media gathered at the Taverna Byron, just a few steps from the staircase the poet used daily to reach Teresa’s apartments secretly. Among the guests were Maev Kennedy from The Art Newspaper, who, after the group visit, returned for a second, more detailed viewing of the Museum; Karen Warren of Bewitched By Italy; Rupert Parker of The Travel Magazine; Alice Bradley of Arcadia; William Cook of the prestigious The Telegraph; and the Americans Sammi DiBacco of CN Traveller and Sharri Whiting of Luxury Travel Advisor.
Hosting the event was the President of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna, Ernesto Giuseppe Alfieri: “We have invested heavily in these Museums,” said Alfieri, who also heads the Italian Byron Society. “It has been not only an economic investment but, above all, a cultural one. Ravenna is fortunate to have two illustrious citizens, Dante and Byron, who were born elsewhere but chose our city as the ideal place for their inspiration, their lives, and their strongest, truest feelings. Every year we celebrate Dante with a major international festival, and now we are lucky also to commemorate Byron with world-class events – and we are proud to have such a prestigious international press delegation here.” Also present was Giancarlo Bagnariol, Secretary General of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna.
The major event was organized by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna, the Italian Byron Society—with Vice Presidents Diego Saglia and Gregory Dowling attending—APT Servizi Emilia-Romagna, and the Municipality of Ravenna. “We are proud to host this important delegation,” said Giacomo Costantini, the local Councillor for Tourism, “and we are happy that you can appreciate, as other visitors have before you—including Byron and Dante themselves—the extraordinary cultural, historical, and environmental wealth of Ravenna and its territory. Besides the Museums and the ancient city with its incredible historical treasures, there are two fully protected natural areas, one of which, the Po Delta Park, is a remarkable and highly appreciated place worldwide.” The group of reporters was led into the secrets of the Museums by Donatino Domini, coordinator of the scientific committees, and Director Alberta Fabbri.
Gregory Dowling read Byron’s verses during a relatively mild evening in the irresistibly charming courtyard of Palazzo Guiccioli, while Diego Saglia entertained guests with the legend of the origins of the ‘zuppa inglese’ dessert, which “according to some, was invented—rich in nourishing elements—by Lord Byron for a sick Teresa.” Truth or legend? “Truth is stranger than fiction,” to quote Byron. What is certain is that the Museums have won over the English and Americans. “This Palazzo is fascinating and extraordinary,” says Maev Kennedy, “and the Museums have allowed Ravenna to appreciate a treasure that, perhaps, even locals were unaware of. This is not only Italy’s Risorgimento: here also lies the Risorgimento of knowledge about Byron and his extraordinary literary and cultural value. All housed in a truly marvellous building.”
Ravenna, January 23, 2025
