Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Eboli

At the table

Common drinks in Habsburg Spain

People rarely drank water due to poor quality and health risks, preferring wine that was often diluted or spiced. Another common drink in taverns was aloja, a rudimentary beverage made from carob fruits.

What people wore

Clothing as a valuable family asset

For many rural families, clothing was so precious that it was never discarded; it was often reused, sold to cover funeral costs, or given as part of a domestic servant's wages.

Getting around

Ox carts moved slowly

Carts pulled by oxen were used for short distances to transport items like wood, stone, or harvest products, moving at a slow pace of 20 to 35 kilometers per day.

What it cost

Price of poultry and eggs

In the 16th century, a hen cost 2 reales, while a single egg was priced at 3 maravedís.

Music

Singing Popular Romances

Romances, which functioned as popular ballads for sharing news and stories of chivalry, were commonly sung at home by people accompanying themselves on plucked string instruments.

Daily life

Wine preferred over unsafe water

Ordinary people in Habsburg Spain frequently preferred wine over water, as the water supply was often unsafe and could cause gastrointestinal illnesses.