I completely agree that Dante's The Divine Comedy should be preserved for future generations because of it's unique depiction and literary work of a religious and moral adventure associated with man's behavior.  I can only imagine how the reader's of its time reacted to it.  I think it's important to the history of literature as you had mentioned its difference to epics such as Beowulf.  It accounts for a more realistic and more effective way to send a message to the audience.

Can you tell me more about the picture you posted in this blog?  Is it a door?  If so what does it lead to and where is it located?  How are the images of The Divine Comedy portrayed in this structure?