Dite Inferno
Dante's Inferno through the alleys of Giovinazzo's historic centre
About Dite Inferno
Dite Inferno: the Divine Comedy becomes immersive theatre in Giovinazzo
Dite Inferno is an open-air itinerant theatre performance held in the heart of the historic centre of Giovinazzo, a coastal town in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia. Born in 2023 as an evolution of the first two "Borgo Infernum" experiences, the show transports the depth of the Cantos and verses of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy into the ancient village, transforming alleys, small squares, and ancient walls into a true open-air stage.
An immersive journey through Dante's circles
The performance, lasting approximately 60 minutes, is designed as an itinerant route: the audience, divided into groups, moves through the streets of the old town and meets the most famous characters of Dante's Inferno, stage by stage. Poetry, music, theatre, and atmosphere blend in a setting specifically arranged within the alleys, where ancient verses dialogue with contemporary visions. The descent into the underworld led by Dante and Virgil thus becomes a collective and engaging experience, capable of conveying all the evocative power of Dante's masterpiece.
The company and direction
The show is staged by the Schegge di Cotone company, directed by Pietro Naglieri, with artistic direction by Gianpaolo Sinesi. The project is organised by the Chiamata di scena association, with the support of the Municipality of Giovinazzo and the patronage of the Apulia Region and Puglia Culture. The cast features actors who give voice and body to the figures of Dante, Virgil, Charon, Francesca and Paolo, Pier delle Vigne, and Ulysses.
An event during the week of the Sant'Antonio Abate Bonfires
Dite Inferno is part of the winter calendar of Giovinazzo, coinciding with the traditional Sant'Antonio Abate Bonfires festival, of which it is one of the most anticipated cultural events. The initiative helps to enhance the historical heritage of the village and animate the old town in the heart of winter, attracting a large audience: the performances regularly sell out.
How to participate
The show takes place in the evening, with multiple time slots per night and limited group sizes. Tickets are on sale via the Vivaticket network. Given the limited capacity of each slot, advance booking is recommended.
Dite Inferno — edition 2026
Dite Inferno 2026 - 4th Edition
The fourth edition of Dite Inferno was staged in Giovinazzo on January 15, 16, and 17, 2026, as part of the week of the Sant'Antonio Abate Bonfires. The open-air itinerant theatre show, inspired by the Inferno of the Divine Comedy, once again transformed the alleys and squares of the historic centre into a widespread stage.
The evening of January 15, with two slots (6:00 PM and 7:30 PM), was reserved for residents of Giovinazzo, while on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 January, three slots were held each evening (6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:00 PM), with the meeting point at the entrance of Via San Lorenzo, near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Each slot welcomed groups of up to 170 spectators.
Directed by Pietro Naglieri with artistic direction by Gianpaolo Sinesi, the cast featured Roberto Negri as Dante, Vincenzo Schirru as Virgil, Nicolas Joos as Charon, Rossana Cannone and Gianni Saracino as Francesca and Paolo, Giuseppe Ciciriello as Pier delle Vigne, and Saba Salvemini as Ulysses. Tickets for the evenings of January 16 and 17 were on sale via Vivaticket at a price of 8 euros.
Programme Dite Inferno 2026
- Thursday, January 15 - two evening slots (6:00 PM and 7:30 PM), reserved for Giovinazzo residents
- Friday, January 16 - three evening slots (6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:00 PM)
- Saturday, January 17 - three evening slots (6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:00 PM)
- Itinerant route in the historic centre, meeting point at the entrance of Via San Lorenzo (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II), groups of up to 170 spectators, duration approx. 60 minutes
Highlights Dite Inferno 2026
- Schegge di Cotone company, directed by Pietro Naglieri, artistic direction by Gianpaolo Sinesi
- Cast: Roberto Negri (Dante), Vincenzo Schirru (Virgil), Nicolas Joos (Charon), Rossana Cannone and Gianni Saracino (Francesca and Paolo), Giuseppe Ciciriello (Pier delle Vigne), Saba Salvemini (Ulysses)
- Show included in the week of the Sant'Antonio Abate Bonfires
Prices Dite Inferno 2026
Practical information — Dite Inferno
Where
Historic centre of Giovinazzo (BA), Apulia. Meeting point at the entrance of Via San Lorenzo, near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
How to get there
Giovinazzo is located on the Adriatic coast north of Bari, easily accessible by car via the SS16 and by regional trains on the Bari-Barletta line. The historic centre is pedestrianised.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale via the Vivaticket network. Evening slots with limited capacity: advance booking is recommended. Information line: +39 340 2538369.
Tips
Itinerant outdoor performance in January: warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Duration is approximately 60 minutes.
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Where does it take place — Dite Inferno
Centro storico di Giovinazzo
Centro storico, 70054 Giovinazzo