When the poet of the famous Canzoniere first saw Arquà, one of the most atmospheric little hamlets in all of Italy, it was love at first sight. From 1370 to 1374 – the last four years of his life – the Tuscan poet would immerse himself in the quiet and calm of the place. Today, the house he lived in is run by the Padua Museums Department, and is visited by tourists and lovers of poetry alike.

One curious fact. Everyone knows of his great love for Laura, but few know that he was the first to go mountaineering for pleasure: together with his brother, he climbed Mont Ventoux in France.

More information for the visit here.