The journey of Jesuit priests in the 16th century. Report of the trip of Pedro Perpinhão, between Alcalá de Henares and Rome

Abstract

The letters sent by the Jesuit priests to their hierarchical superiors and companions, on their frequent travels in Europe, Asia and Africa, are an imposition from the Society of Jesus itself, but also rich sources of information. The letter written by Pedro Perpinhão and sent to the companions that remained in Coimbra, when he went to Rome, shows a detailed itinerary (from Alcalá de Henares to Rome) and valuable information about his time, the sixteenth century, namely about transportation, roads, accommodation, difficulties, dangers, monuments, religious practices, worship of relics and miracles; it also reveals the man, his feelings and sensations.