Our History

Società Dante Alighieri promotes Italian culture and language around the world.  This is a purpose independent of political ideologies, national or ethnic origins, or religious beliefs.  

Formed in Italy in July 1889, the society takes its name from the Florentine pre- Renaissance poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321). His magnum opus The Divine Comedy (Divina Commedia) is considered pivotal in world literature, and a masterpiece of writing in the Italian language.  For this reason Dante Alighieri is considered the father of “la lingua italiana”.

Società Dante Alighieri is a free association of people – not just Italians – but all people everywhere who are united by their love for the Italian languages and culture and the spirit of universal humanism that these represent.

Società Dante Alighieri operates throughout the world, with over 400 branches in Italy itself and over one hundred more branches across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa & Oceania.