Description
Leave your modern stress behind and dive into the world of the medieval pilgrim. On this captivating journey through the sacred shrines of Christian Europe, we will examine the destinations and purpose of pilgrimage from Late Antiquity to the close of the Middle Ages.
Pilgrimage has been an important aspect of Catholic faith since the fourth century when inquisitive peoples of Europe began to visit the locations of early Christian martyrs. As the popularity of pilgrimage grew, intrepid pilgrims covered enormous distances and took great risks to reach their destination. We will ponder their motivations, examine the clothing they wore, explore the dangers they faced, and engage with the stories they told. Along the way we will examine the cult of relics and saints, pilgrimage architecture, and 14th-century pilgrimage-inspired literature.
Led by Chandi Wyant, a passionate history instructor with a focus on 15th century Florence, this interactive seminar will prompt participants to enter the world of the pilgrims who traversed Europe hundreds of years ago and ponder differences and similarities between our world and theirs. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with knowledge and insights about significant shrines and locations of pilgrimage in Europe, and about the weirdly wonderful cult of relics and saints.
About Your Expert
Chandi Wyant, originally from California, is an accredited guide to Italy's museums and currently lives in Florence. She has taught history for colleges in the US and the Middle East and is the author of a memoir about her solo long-distance walk on Italy's pilgrimage route. Chandi holds masters' degrees in both international education and renaissance history and has a particular interest in the intersection between humanist and artistic innovations in 15th century Florence.
Audience
This conversation is suitable for all ages.
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.