WELCOME

Programme runs Sunday 26 May 4pm - Thursday 30 May 6pm

Welcome gathering and drinks reception 4pm Sunday 26 May

Discover Dante and The Enneagram through lectures, music, art and dialogue, with shared inquiry, meditation and bodywork

Explore Florence’ ancient streets and the Dante connection through great art and hidden gems, with excursions led by excellent local guides

Add to the mix good company and great conversation, Italian piazzas, restaurants, food and wine. It’s a heady mix! The alchemy is undeniable

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW

Type Nine

Sloth → Right Action

Type One

Anger → Serenity

Type Two

Pride → Humility

Type Three

Self-deceit → Veracity

Type Four

Envy → Equanimity

Type Five

Avarice → Non-attachement

Type Six

Fear → Courage

Type Seven

Gluttony → Sobriety

Type Eight

Lust → Innocence

THE JOURNEY BEGINS NOW

The path from Fixation to Freedom

PROGRAMME
Our unique programme begins on Sunday 26 May at 4pm and ends Thursday 30 May at 6pm
The week is made up of three key ingredients:

Lectures on Dante and The Enneagram, interwoven with music, art and dialogue.

Elements of personal and group inquiry, meditation and bodywork

Visits to historic places of significance to Dante led by experienced & knowledgeable local guides, or more local walks.

Your choice:

While most are keen to enjoy it all, participants are free to choose how much or how little they do. In the same way, your personal journey may go deep, or you may prefer a lighter touch. The choice is yours.

SPEAKERS
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BEATRICE CHESTNUT

PhD: is a world-leading expert in the Enneagram much in demand for her distinctive combination of academic insight and personal understanding. A student of the Enneagram since 1990 she has extensive professional experience in its application: in psychotherapy, business, personal and spiritual growth and in Enneagram workshops worldwide.

“This is the highlight of my year, bringing profound personal and spiritual work grounded in the history, wisdom and beauty of Dante’s Florence.”

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MAURO VEDOVELLO

Mauro is the “producer” behind the transformative Dante, Florence, and Enneagram workshop, set against the enchanting backdrop of Florence, Italy. Nestled in the historic city of Bergamo in northern Italy, Mauro is not just a resident but a devoted custodian of its rich heritage. As the founder of the NoveVie Enneagram school and a certified teacher affiliated with the renowned Palmer-Daniel school, Mauro is dedicated to the pursuit of self-discovery and personal growth. With a profound connection to his homeland, he, like all Italians, embarked on a journey through Dante’s timeless masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” during his formative years, imbuing him with a profound and culturally resonant appreciation of this literary gem.

“The Comedy is a timeless map for our individual inner Hero’s journey, a conversion from unconscious to conscious. The opening of our spiritual heart requires its language and I welcome you in Florence to listen to it.”

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TERESA DANIELS

Teresa is a certified teacher in the Narrative tradition and a retired psychology lecturer. She has been a student of the Enneagram for over 15 years and part of the core team of EnneagramAlive.co.uk which is dedicated to the provision of hight quality teaching in the UK & Ireland. Originally attending as a participant, Teresa has returned many times to Florence to help facilitate the activities of the week. She now returns for a fifth time and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge of, and interest in the history of Dante’s wider contribution to our cultural understanding of justice and the afterlife.

"Studying this exceptional text in Florence, surrounded by beautiful architecture, culture and art brings the words alive and makes it as relevant now to understanding human nature, as it was in 14th Century Italy. Dante’s descriptions of human vice; the greed of bankers; corrupt politicians, infidelity and envy clearly show there are no new problems and that they were as rife in 1317 as they are in 2024. "

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HELEN ENGLISH

Helen is a long-term Enneagram coach and facilitator who helps lead us on a vivid, personal ‘felt sense’ journey through the Divine Comedy. In addition to 18+ years Enneagram inquiry, Helen brings a Cambridge MA in literature and deep experience in experiential learning and development.

“‘Each year I love the synergy of friendship and interests: personal, professional, spiritual and literary, in a gorgeous setting that amplifies it all”

VENUE

WELCOME TO OUR VENUE "Casa del Santo Nome di Gesù"

An excellent city centre location in the historical centre of Florence, it is a remarkably peaceful space. Yet just five minutes’ walk away from the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.

Piazza del Carmine, 21
50124 – Firenze – Italy

Phone: +39 055 213856

Fax: +39 055 281835

Email: info@fmmfirenze.it

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation options:

The workshop ticket price does not include accommodation, as we’ve found in previous years that people prefer to make their own arrangements. We’re of course on hand to help with the advice that’s here. Please also see the FAQ section, full of useful details, or email us if you need further support.

Our Accommodation advice:

  1. Our top tip is to stay at the venue itself. The room rate is very reasonable for the area. More importantly still, it is so convenient for both the scheduled programme and your social life during the workshop. Being a historic and spiritual building in its own right, it is also well-matched to the mood of Dante’s poem and our work together. Places are limited and fill fast, so if this is your first choice then please don’t delay.
  2. Our second tip is to book somewhere as close as possible to our venue in Piazza del Carmine. It’s great to be able to pop back to your room between sessions, or after lunch in a nearby restaurant, before joining the next programmed activity.
  3. Websites such as Booking.com and AirBnB are a good option when finding independent accommodation to match your taste and budget. AirBnB is still worth considering, especially if you’re sharing with friends, although it’s no longer the budget option it used to be.
FAQ

Which airport is best?

Florence’ Amerigo Vespucci airport and Pisa’s Toscana airport and are both in easy reach of Florence.  Public transport links from both airports to Florence Central Railway station.

What if I arrive at Florence airport?

Florence’ Amerigo Vespucci Airport is just 4 km from the city centre. Easy to reach by bus, taxi or train.
A taxi direct to the venue is a convenient option. Otherwise take public transport to Florence Central Railway station. It is then a 15-20 mins walk or short taxi-ride to our venue.
Public transport from Florence airport: The shuttle bus, named ‘Volainbustakes you to Firenze Central Railway Station. Cost € 6.00 (one way) or € 10 (return ticket). Tickets can be bought on board or in advance from newspaper stands. Departs every half hour.
The new railway line T2 Vespucci connects the Central Train Station to the Vespucci airport. Cost €1,50. Tickets from the automatic vending machines at every stop and must be validated on the train.

Is it a workshop, course or holiday?

We say – the best of all three and a real blend. Similar in nature to ‘cultural holidays’ offered elsewhere, where lectures by specialist experts combine with the ‘holiday’ element of immersion in the local culture, sights, sounds and places of special interest relevant to the theme in hand.

Is there a religious angle?

We welcome participants of all faiths and none.  Dante’s Divine Comedy sits within a Christian framework, yet with pre-Christian influences including classical literature, mythology, astrology and more.  The Enneagram similarly offers a spiritual pathway and attracts people of different faiths, yet without alignment to any one.

What if I’m new to Dante?

No problem!  Past participants have found the week a wonderful first encounter.

What if I’m an experienced Dante scholar?

We’ve had several advanced students of Dante in the past, who absolutely loved the week and the fresh insights it brought.

What’s the venue like?

A traditional Italian building, formerly a convent, with elegant proportions and frescoes in a number of rooms, from our lecture theatre space to the bedrooms.

What’s a typical day?

Spend your early morning in the Casa’s elegant courtyard garden. Join a gentle and meditative pre-breakfast Tai Chi/Qi Gong session if you wish.  After breakfast, come to the spacious group room, perhaps for an arrival meditation, followed by a lecture-style presentation, poetry readings and more.  Take part in a small group discussion to explore how the material touches you and your own life experience.  Break for refreshments in an adjacent, elegantly proportioned room overlooking the Plaza. After continuing the morning in the group room, take a stroll, find a sandwich or join a friend in a local café for lunch.  Most days there’s something scheduled in the beautiful Florentine surroundings. Return for a late afternoon session 4-6pm.  Evenings are free for you to spend as you wish (apart from one group dinner), opting in to a small group restaurant bookings if you’d like to.  Each day is structured slightly differently, so this is just a flavour.

I have mobility issues – what provision is there?

There is a lift in the Casa enabling level access to bedrooms and group lecture room.  But doorways and equally ancient uneven cobbled streets mean wheelchair access is limited.  To take part in guided walks you need to be able to walk and remain standing for a couple of hours: you may choose to do just part of the one longer tour.

What’s available in the local area?

Cafes, coffee shops and restaurants are close to hand and open long hours. There’s an excellent small Conad City supermarket with surprisingly good delicatessen just across the square, on Via Santa Monaca. A good chemist and pharmacy also, Farmacia Del Camine, on Piazza Piattellina, just a few steps from our venue’s front door.

What if I arrive at Pisa airport?

Good public transport links with Florence Central Railway station.  From there, it’s a 15-20 mins walk or short taxi-ride to our venue.
Bus and train options exist.  Buses are very frequent and once on board, the journey takes around one hour.
Excellent information on public transport links here: http://www.pisa-airport.com/en/the-passengers/transport/bus.html

How big is the group?

In previous years 25-30 people. Venue size is the key factor and we limit numbers in order to keep the group small enough to be informal and friendly.

Where do people come from?

All over the world! In the past, Italy, France, Greece, UK, New Zealand, Australia, US East & West Coasts, Korea and beyond.

What’s the main language?

English is used throughout, with some spoken Italian to help us appreciate Dante’s poetry in the mother tongue. You need a reasonably good understanding of English to get the most from the week.

What about spiritual inner work?

We move through the three chapters of the Divine Comedy, beginning in the ‘dark wood’ and (1) entering the Inferno and descending its depths, (2) experiencing Purgatory and finally (3) rising through Paradise.   You can follow the story as a member of the audience, watching it unfold.  Or if you prefer, you can engage more fully, with a depth of experience to match the poetic and spiritual potential at hand. We encourage you to follow your own heart and preference, while supporting the level of work that feels right for you.

What if I’m new to The Enneagram?

A basic level of Enneagram knowledge will enhance your experience of the trip.  Consider visiting www.enneagramworldwide.com or asking us for advice on reading/audio materials.

What if I’m experienced in the Enneagram?

Experienced Enneagram advocates have found it fascinating week. This includes a number of highly regarded teachers on the international Enneagram circuit.

Can I see the full programme in advance?

Yes, we’ll send this to you individually a couple of weeks before the start date.

How much free time is there?

Each day there is an hour or so for lunch and an afternoon break at some point.  You can take time out of the programme to rest and restore if need be: we ask only that tell us.

What’s it like for solo travellers?

Many people have taken part without knowing any one else before they arrived: all have said how much they enjoyed it.  Sharing a table and good conversation with others is very much part of the Italian experience! There’s no pressure to stay in the group for evening meals.

Shall I read up in advance? Any suggestions?

It can add to your enjoyment if you read The Divine Comedy in advance, although far from essential. We’ve enjoyed the recent Clive James edition (2015).
The BBC audible download ‘Divine Comedy’ is a dramatization well worth listening to (and much quicker than the read!).

FROM PAST YEARS
"Dante and the Enneagram in Florence was a fun way to explore this exceptional text against a backdrop of culture and art. The international nature of the participants afforded an opportunity to meet and converse with like-minded people from all over the world". JM (USA)
"What a blessing to have been able to be here in Florence for the second time with Dante, the Divine Comedy, The Enneagram and with Beatrice, Mauro, Helen and Teresa and the group. The second time my process was much deeper and I would like to advise everyone to come back after the first time." T.B 2018 ( Netherlands)
"Dante, Florence & The Enneagram has been wonderful. An immersive and sensory experience- a great combination of holiday, workshop and community" EM (U.K)

Sold out 7 years running…
Join our mailing list! If you’re tempted but not yet ready to book, the mailing list is a great way to stay up to date. We’ll let you know of any event updates or news; such as a webinar session to whet your appetite.

Contact us:

ITALY +39-335-741–0990
info@danteandtheenneagram.com

MAILING LIST

SUBMIT REQUEST

BOOKING

Included in the booking fee: 

  • Workshop programme and supporting materials
  • Drinks and light refreshments at break times throughout the week
  • Half day city walking tour with an excellent professional guide
  • Entrance tickets
  • One full-group restaurant evening meal

Not included in the booking fee: 

  • Accommodation: please make your own arrangements, following our advice
  • Travel to and from Florence
  • Transfers/travel within the city
  • Travel and health insurance

COST:    Ticket 2024     Euro: 1,250.00

Please download our booking Terms & Conditions and read fully. When you book and pay, whether deposit or full payment, you confirm acceptance of NoveVie’s booking terms & conditions.