The journal of Montaigne's travels in Italy by way of Switzerland and Germany in 1580 and 1581, Volume 2 (of 3)

A meticulous record of a 16th‑century French thinker’s grand tour through Italy, Switzerland and Germany, this volume captures the wonder of a mind eager to catalogue the world’s marvels. The narrator moves from the bustling streets of Verona to the solemn cloisters of monasteries, describing stone arches, bustling markets and the lingering scent of incense with a scholar’s eye for detail.

Among the most vivid passages are his encounters with a near‑perfect Roman arena, a lively Jewish synagogue where rituals are discussed at length, and the elegant Jesuit house that sells distilled water and medicinal draughts. He also notes the distinctive flavours of regional wines—spiced, sage‑infused German varieties that challenge his palate—while observing the colourful fairs and the proud display of civic coats of arms. The journal invites listeners into a world where history, architecture and everyday life intertwine, offering a rich, sensory glimpse of Renaissance Europe.