Encounters in Renaissance Venice: Exchange, communication, and interaction between Jerusalem-bound pilgrims and local residents

During the Renaissance, Venice was the main place of departure for most Western European pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. They often had to spend several weeks in the city, waiting for departure of the ships. During this time they interacted with a wide range of people living in the city. This article focuses on different types of such interactions between Jerusalem-bound pilgrims and Venetian residents. It analyzes how these could come about, how they could function, and what their consequences could be. This can provide us with insight into multiple aspects of early modern mobility. For instance, it sheds light on some of the urban spaces where foreign pilgrims and local inhabitants could interact. Factors such as language and social status could affect the pilgrims’ activities in the city. Furthermore, encounters between pilgrims and Venetian residents could play a crucial role in the circulation of objects and ideas. Analysis of these moments of encounter can therefore contribute to our understanding of early modern mobility.