Da campo de' fiori a canton: Il diario inedito dell'abate Ilarione (1702-03) / Elisa Frei

Intorcettiana 12 (2024)

Local access dig.pdf[Frei-Da campo.pdf]

Abstract: At the beginning of the 18th century, the Roman abbot Ilarione Bonaventura Sala embarked on a remarkable journey to China as a missionary sent by the Congregation of Propaganda Fide. His unpublished diary captures not only the logistical and cultural challenges of such an undertaking but also the complex interactions between European missionaries and local communities. Sala’s narrative offers unique insights into early modern global exchanges, interwoven with his personal reflections, culinary discoveries, and emotional struggles. This article explores Sala’s diary as a valuable historical source, shedding light on the interplay of faith, science, and cultural adaptation within the context of transoceanic missions.