Page 79 - Introduction to Tourism

Inns in Spain and Italy provided a bed for each

guest, but in Germany and other areas, guests

commonly had to share beds. At the other end of

the spectrum lay an inn of quality, such as the

one described in Mandeville ’ s guide.

Travelers of any social distinction, however, were
generally entertained in castles or private

houses. Church monasteries or hospices offered
accommodations for the majority. They offered

services well beyond bed and board. They could
provide a doctor and furnish medicines, replace

worn garments, provide guides to show a visitor

around the sights, or even grant a loan of money.

They also offered opportunities for meditation

and prayer.

The most famous stopover was the French

Alpine hospice of Grand - Saint - Bernard,

established in 962. (The Saint Bernard dogs that

were sent to find and rescue travelers

have been made famous by ads showing a little

flask of wine appended to the dogs ’ collars.) St.

Catherine ’ s monastery at the foot of Mount

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