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The Story of Venetian Captain Pietro Querini: The Shipwreck that Changed Italian Cuisine.

The story of Viking captain Pietro Querini is a fascinating tale of adventure, survival, and cultural exchange that has left an indelible imprint on Italian cuisine. This article explores his incredible voyage, his shipwreck on the remote Norwegian islands of Røst, and how his return to Venice gave birth to one of Italy’s most beloved culinary traditions: baccalà alla vicentina.

1. The Shipwreck of Pietro Querini

  • Year 1432: Venetian captain Pietro Querini set out on a trading voyage, but a storm wrecked him off the coast of Norway.
  • Survivors: Of the 68 crew members, only 11 survived, finding refuge on the island of Røstlandet, one of 350 islands in the Røst archipelago.
  • Reception: The people of Røst, known for their hospitality, rescued Querini and his crew, offering them food and shelter for three months.

2. Life in Røst: An Extraordinary Discovery.

  • Local Traditions: Querini described the life of the islanders, who were devoted to fishing and processing dried cod, known as stockfish.
  • Harmonious Community: The captain was impressed by the devotion and harmony of the people, who lived in symbiosis with nature and fish resources.

3. The Return to Venice and the Birth of Stockfish

  • Stockfish in Italy: Upon his return to Venice, Querini brought with him stockfish, a product that was unknown in Italy but soon became popular.
  • Baccalà alla Vicentina: Thanks to Querini, stockfish entered Venetian cuisine, giving rise to one of the region’s most iconic dishes: baccalà alla vicentina, still celebrated as a delicacy today.

4. The Historical and Cultural Impact.

  • Global trade: The Querini shipwreck opened a trade route between Norway and Italy, with stockfish becoming a luxury product and a source of wealth for both countries.
  • Cultural exchange: The story of Querini is an example of how an unexpected event can unite distant cultures, influencing culinary and trade traditions.

5. Røst Today: A Place to Discover

  • Remote Island: Røst, located 10 km from Lofoten and 100 km from the mainland, is a paradise for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts.
  • Living Traditions: Fishing and stockfish processing remain central to islanders’ lives, with the population tripling during the winter season.

Conclusion

The story of Captain Pietro Querini is a tale of resilience, discovery, and cultural connection. Thanks to his shipwreck, Norwegian stockfish became a staple ingredient in Italian cuisine, giving rise to dishes such as baccalà alla vicentina.

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