Pietro Carrera

Who was Pietro Carrera?

Pietro Carrera, chess player, historian, priest and Italian author, born in Sicily, in Militello in Val di Catania, located in the Valley of Noto; here he grew up in the old colony of San Vito. He was born on July 12, 1573, he was the son of Donna Antonia Severino and Mariano Carrera, a traditional craftsman who entered the priesthood after his wife's death. During his studies in the Seminario Diocesiano of Siracusa, he had the opportunity to visit many different Sicilian cities. As a result of his travels he met Paolo Boi, so-called "The Siracusan", in the town of Palermo during 1597.

After taking his vows, he first become the chaplain at the church of S. Maria della Stella and later of Francesco Branciforte's Court. During his stay at Branciforte's Court he become interested in chess, winning against Salvatore Albino the so-called "Beneventano" and against Geronimo Cascio. Cascio won against the famous but old Polerio. After developing a fond relationship with the Prince's wife, Lady Giovanna, he composed a short poem for her in Latin in exameter form regarding chess. Only fragments of this poem, the title being "The Pessopedia", remain today.