The Inferno, the opening section of Dante Alighieri's medieval masterpiece the Divine Comedy, begins on the evening of the Maundy Thursday Vigil. The annual reading of selections from the Inferno brings listeners and participants into the "dark woods" of Dante's haunting vision. This dramatic literary event takes place in the Crossing of the Cathedral, with selected Cantos read by honored guests, distinguished poets, eminent translators, visiting scholars, and Inferno reading regulars.

Please note that the Maundy Thursday Eucharist concludes shortly before the start of the Inferno reading and calls for a moment of darkness. We ask guests to please wait in the Cathedral's Narthex until the lights return.

Visit the American Poets Corner page for more information on annual poetry events at the Cathedral.