Istrians in Venice (15th - 18th century)

Abstract

In the Introduction the Author points out the complexity of the study of relations between Istria and Venice during the past centuries, particularly concerning the problems of emigration, presence and activities of Istrians in Venice in the long time between the 15th and the 18th century. The intensity of emigration and the number of references of Istrians in Venetian sources are presented, as well as the forms in which they appear in documents, their origin according to the towns where they come from, their occupations and residence (regions, parishes) in Venice. Considering their everyday life, the Author presents the main communication circles: family, familiar and friendly connections and acquaintances, particularly contacts with other emigrants from the area of Venetian acquisition on the Eastern Adriatic. The religious life of immigrants, which was not basically different from that of other inhabitants of Venice, is presented using data from their wills (contacts with Venetian churches, convents, religious associations, hospitia and individual clerics). Particular attention is given to the inclusion of Istrians in the Slav confraternity of St. Juraj (George) and Tripun. An unpopular and compulsory form of Istrian presence in Venice is that recorded in numerous judicial procedures conducted by the Office of the Venetian Inquisition (Santo Offitio) against the followers of Luther’s doctrine, but also against other heretics who arose the suspicions of the Church. Finally, the general contribution of Istrians to the Venetian culture, art and science is briefly presented, as an illustration of the many-sided character of Venetian - Istrian permeation and interdependence in the past centuries.