Guido Guinizelli

Born in Bologna around 1230, Guido Guinizelli is a central figure in the transition of medieval Italian poetry towards a more elaborate and philosophical lyricism. His work, though scarce, had a profound impact on later poetry, especially on Dante. His most famous poem, 'Al cor gentil rempaira sempre amore' (To the gentle heart, love always returns), is considered a manifesto of the 'Dolce Stil Novo', where love is presented as a noble force that can only reside in pure and elevated hearts. Guinizelli was also a jurist and politician in Bologna. He died in Montereggio in 1276.