Infanta Maria Ana of Portugal

Getting around

Trains slashed travel times drastically

In the late 19th century, trains significantly reduced travel times; for instance, the journey from Vienna to Graz took nine hours by train, compared to twenty-nine hours by post coach.

At the table

Limited meat consumption for poor families

Poor industrial workers and families often survived on dry bread, with meat, such as boiled beef, appearing on their tables only during holidays or feasts.

What people wore

Peasant men's holiday shirt-sleeves

On feast days, peasant men often ate in their white shirt-sleeves, as these were considered an essential part of their holiday attire indoors.

Music

Rural music instruments in Voralpen

In rural areas near the Semmering and Wechsel regions, music was often performed using the zither and the hammered dulcimer (Hackbrett). This contrasted with urban areas where violin and harp combinations were more common in taverns.

Daily life

The multi-purpose kitchen stove

In rural kitchens, the stove was the central hub for cooking, drying laundry on an overhead pole, and providing heat.