Dante's Plaque: Badia Fiorentina (Church)

CIASCUN CHE DELLA BELLA INSEGNA PORTA DEL GRAN BARONE, IL CUI NOME E ‘L CUI PREGIO LA FESTA DI TOMMASO RICONFORTA, DA ESSO EBBE MILIZIA E PRIVILEGIO

DANTE, PAR., XVI, 127-130

EACH ONE THAT BEARS THE BEAUTIFUL ESCUTCHEON OF THE GREAT BARON WHOSE RENOWN AND NAME THE FESTIVAL OF THOMAS KEEPETH FRESH, KNIGHTHOOD AND PRIVILEGE FROM HIM RECEIVED

Many noble Florentine families were awarded the order of chivalry by Ugo Marchese of Tuscany (the "Great Baron" who moved the seat of the marquisate from Lucca to Florence and died in 1001). Since time immemorial, every year on the same day, December 21 - dedicated to Saint Thomas the Apostle-, religious services are dedicated to Marquis Ugo at the Badia Fiorentina, where the Great Baron was buried.