Elijah of Pesaro

Merchant

Elijah of Pesaro was a wealthy Italian merchant, scholar, and traveler. He is known for the account of his journey from Venice to Ereẓ Israel. Elijah started his journey from Venice in 1563 but was obliged to stop his journey in Cyprus as there was an outbreak of cholera in Ereẓ Israel. He settled in Famagusta from where he wrote a letter to his relatives in Italy describing the journey, giving advice to travelers, and including an account of Cyprus which remains a primary source for the social and economic history of the island. He also wrote philosophical homilies and commentaries on the Song of Songs, Jonah, and Job.