
audiobook
by Felix Fabri
A weary band of medieval pilgrims finally reaches the sacred courtyard of the Holy Sepulchre, only to discover that the bustling market outside offers no food for the exhausted travelers. Their hopes for a simple meal inside the church are dashed, as the Muslim custodians, wary of feeding strangers, turn them away. This early episode captures the harsh realities of a long journey through a land where political and religious tensions shape every encounter.
Soon the group is welcomed by a striking figure—Johann of Prussia, a seasoned Franciscan procurator. Tall, bearded, and of noble lineage, he commands respect from both Christian leaders and local authorities. Johann’s authority allows him to organize the pilgrims, even offering them the chance to serve as armed guards for the holy sites, a role that blends devotion with the practical need for protection.
Through vivid detail and personal reflection, the narrative immerses listeners in the sights, sounds, and solemn duties of a 15th‑century pilgrimage, revealing both the spiritual yearning and the everyday challenges faced along the road to Jerusalem.
Language
la
Duration
~20 hours (1173K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Carolus Raeticus
Release date
2019-11-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1441–1502
A late medieval Dominican friar whose travel writing brings the Holy Land vividly to life, he recorded pilgrimages with a level of detail that still fascinates historians and general readers alike.
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