A new tavern has opened in Ravenna, Italy, to honor Nottinghamshire poet Lord Byron. The Byron Tavern was created to mark the 200th anniversary of Byron’s death. It is part of a broader effort that includes the restoration of the Byron Museum and its collection.
The opening of the tavern was celebrated by members of the Byron Society from around the world, who gathered at the Palazzo Guiccioli on the Adriatic coast.
Byron, born George Gordon Byron, is often credited with inspiring Britain’s upper class to embark on the Grand Tour of Italy. This tradition still attracts millions of visitors each year, including over six million Britons who traveled to Italy in 2024.
Byron, who lived from 1788 to 1824, spent his early years in Nottinghamshire. He also lived with his family in a house on St James’ Street in Nottingham city center from 1798 to 1799, when he was just 10 years old.
Byron is buried in Hucknall, and earlier this year, plans were announced to protect the St. Mary Magdalene Church, which also serves as the final resting place of notable figures like Ada Lovelace and boxer Ben Caunt.
Nottingham, the birthplace of Byron, was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015, celebrating its literary heritage. Byron, who was famous during his lifetime, also became known for his participation in the Greek War of Independence. He died in 1824 at the age of 36 from a fever while leading a campaign in Missolonghi, Greece.
During his time in Italy, Byron lived in the Palazzo Guiccioli, home of the Countess Guiccioli, from 1819 to 1821. He had several affairs with married women during his stay in Venice.
The restored Palazzo Guiccioli now displays a variety of Byron-related memorabilia, personal belongings, and texts, along with items showcasing the rise of Italian nationalism. Newstead Abbey, Byron’s reputed home, also holds a year-round exhibition dedicated to the poet.
The Byron 200 program celebrates his life and legacy through exhibitions, events, and activities at Newstead Abbey, considered a source of inspiration for the poet.
