Středověký turista - Poutníci, učenci a špioni na cestách – Bale Anthony (2025)

Wandering through real and fantastic places of the Middle Ages
Whether medieval travelers set out for religious, commercial, diplomatic, or military reasons, they always sought the same information during their journeys that we look for today: where to eat and sleep well (Don't go here, this hostel is really terribly infested with fleas!), how much to pay (What is the exchange rate of Czech ducats to Venetian groschen?), how to treat ailments in a foreign land (For seasickness, a concentrate of lovage and quince works), and how not to be fooled (Beware of fake guides in Venice!).
Medievalist Anthony Bale compiles an unusual picture of the Middle Ages from various contemporary documents about travel: it is a world full of movement and incredible destinations with unexpectedly developed tourist infrastructure. The diverse journeys to Rome, Beijing, Jerusalem, the bazaars of Tabriz, and other exotic places humorously illustrate how medieval Europeans — often mistakenly — understood the wider world (and conversely — how Europe appeared to distant visitors).