Italians and Australia prior to 1900
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Map of Australia drawn by Father Vittorio Riccio in 1676
© Propaganda Fide - Roma
© Propaganda Fide - Roma
FIRST CONTACTS
Speaking of Italians in Australia one tends to refer to the period of mass migration between the 50s and early 70s. In fact, Italy has much earlier links to this new land, ever since the 16th century when Italian sailors accompanied Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the area.
The first significant person to come into contact with Australia was a missionary, Father Vittorio Riccio who, in 1676, drew a map of the new continent based on conversations with Dutch sailors. He also met aborigines whom he described as "bronzed, even black, courageous and strong". From Manila he wrote to the church authorities in Rome requesting permission to establish a Catholic mission in the new land. When the authorisation came, ten years later, Father Vittorio had passed away and so died the dream of establishing an Italian foothold in Australia.
Speaking of Italians in Australia one tends to refer to the period of mass migration between the 50s and early 70s. In fact, Italy has much earlier links to this new land, ever since the 16th century when Italian sailors accompanied Spanish and Portuguese explorers in the area.
The first significant person to come into contact with Australia was a missionary, Father Vittorio Riccio who, in 1676, drew a map of the new continent based on conversations with Dutch sailors. He also met aborigines whom he described as "bronzed, even black, courageous and strong". From Manila he wrote to the church authorities in Rome requesting permission to establish a Catholic mission in the new land. When the authorisation came, ten years later, Father Vittorio had passed away and so died the dream of establishing an Italian foothold in Australia.