Do you know who wrote it?
Dante (full: Durante) Alighieri (1268-1321) was a famous Italian poet who is best known for his Divina commedia (Divine Comedy). This the text that inspired Liszt to write several pieces. Divina commedia depicts a vision, in which the poet is conducted first by Virgil, the representative of human reason, through hell and purgatory, and then by Beatrice, the representative of human revelation; and finally by St. Bernard through the several heavens, where he beholds the triune God. The name Commedia, was given to the work by the poet himself, because, beginning with the horrible, it ends cheerfully; and because, in respect of style, it is lowly, being Written in the vulgar tongue. The epithet "Divina" was added by the admiration of after-times.
(I stole that from somewhere, because I wouldn't be able to describe it that concisely).
In any case, this is rather tough stuff. It is difficult to read, but comprehending it will require a course in mythology, humanism, and a whole bunch of other sociological subjects. Before diving into this work that can easily occupy somebody for an entire life, I recommend to find some short, cursory text, such as those intended for Highschool kids.
Since you're at it, also check out the contributions of Petrarch and Goethe (Faust).
Topic: Dante