Maria Fortunata d'Este

At the table

Bread as the common staple food

While nobles enjoyed refined breads, the main daily food for common people was bread made from grain, often in the form of simple, rustic focaccias.

What people wore

Poor citizens wore cheap cloth slippers

In 18th-century Modena, the poor frequently wore cloth slippers, which were extremely cheap and easily made from scrap materials.

Getting around

Travel by foot, mule, or carriage

For most people, travel between towns along the mountainous Via Vandelli was done on foot, horseback, or by mule, while only the flatter Emilian stretch could accommodate carriages. A full journey between Modena and Massa took about one week, even with postal service arrangements.

What it cost

Generous daily wine rations

Workers in northern Italy often received significant daily wine rations, sometimes ranging from 1 to over 5 liters, as part of their in-kind compensation.

Music

Lenten oratorio performances at San Carlo

During Lent, ordinary people and nobles attended oratorio performances at the San Carlo Rotondo, a central venue for religious music in Modena. These performances were often supported by the Ducal Chapel to strengthen religious and political ties.

Daily life

Rural home layout and food storage

Rural homes featured a spacious kitchen that served as the heart of daily life, where families prepared bread, processed pork, and performed household chores. The kitchen was typically south-facing to catch the sun, while cellars were positioned on the north side to keep food cool.