Pobyt w Wenecji pielgrzymów udających się do Ziemi Świętej w XIV i XV w.

Venice in the 14th and 15th century - pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land

Summary: Thanks to its wide trade contacts, an excellent acquaintance with eastern regions, the existing fleet and the ability to establish diplomatic relationships, from the early Middle Ages on, Venice dealt in the transportation of European pilgrims to the Holy Land. Even from the beginning of the thirteenth century, it issued special laws which regulated the transport of pilgrims to Palestine, defined departure dates for galleys and the responsibilities of shipowners, as well as assured the safe and timely conveyance of passengers. Every pilgrim heading for the Holy Land had to be equipped with an appropriate sum of money, permission from the Pope and a safe-conduct that guaranteed a secure passage and stay within the territory of the Republic of Venice. In the subsequent part of the paper, the author discusses the land routes used by pilgrims to reach Venice and enumerates the chief Italian towns where they stopped off. There they could find a developed network of hostels and halfway houses. More space is devoted to the rich tradition of Venetian hoteliers, which dates back to the ninth century. The author describes various categories of inns, hospices and hospitals, together with their location, and then their typical names and responsibilities of their proprietors. Attention is paid, moreover, to the names of pilgrims from all over Europe who found accommodation therein. The Republic of Venice catered for all pilgrims. The necessary assistance and practical information could be acquired from special agents. The arrivals, waiting for their departure to the Holy Land, chose a galley or a merchant ship, made their last purchases in Venice, signed contracts with shipowners, and sometimes drafted their last will and testament. They also saw the sights of Venice, which was regarded as one of the most interesting towns of medieval Europe, with its churches and monasteries full of relics and its state buildings. They participated in religious and state ceremonies and observed the everyday life of the town, clearly impressed by its architecture, neighbourhoods and wealth.

Peregrinus Cracoviensis, 1998, z.6, s. 27-45.

Instytut Geografii i Gospodarki Przestrzennej UJ

ISSN 1425-1922, ISBN 83-907568-5-4

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