On Pilgrimages
"If you want to be the first, walk by yourself. If you want to get far, walk together."
The epitome of the medieval travelling man, the homo viator, was the pilgrim who embarked on a journey towards one of Christianity's holy destinations. The practice of peregrination was presented as an example of faith and charity, linked to the metaphor of our journey towards the ultimate spiritual and heavenly goal. The main destinations were Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela, carried out on foot, with the help of nothing more than a "burdon" - a term originally referring to mules and later to the pilgrim staff. In addition, pilgrims carried a cloak, wide-brimmed hat and a haversack or purse slung around the waist. Various illustrations and paintings depict a type of dressing ceremony with the bestowal of a blessing by the bishop before departure, but this was probably reserved for people of high rank. The medieval sense of hospitality derives from a Christian concept of offering material and spiritual aid to one's fellow-man. Hospitals were modelled on monastic settlements and existed as permanent religious institutions often run by monastic orders. The codes of behaviour and rules observed inside the institution also applied to the guests for the duration of their stay. Only the wealthier hospitals in towns and in the most important institutions provided beds and food, while others restricted their hospitality to the primary necessities, straw to lie on and religious succour. In addition to the support provided by religious organisations, based on the concept of Misericordia (no charge), there were other hostels of a secular nature, such as inns and in some cases, spas, but these were usually frequented by a wealthier clientèle - merchants and knights who carried money with them and attracted brigands to such an extent that the municipal authorities were finally forced ti interved to protect all travellers, including the less wealthy pilgrims. Pilgrim - person who journeys to a sacred place; a traveller or wanderer. Peregrini - those who go through fields (per agros), transients.