Francisca Josefa of Portugal

Music

Religious music life in Angra

In Angra, ordinary people frequented churches where they heard liturgical chant, congregational hymns, and occasionally polyphony or instrumental music. Some hermitages, like Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, were particularly popular for the daily singing of the rosary.

At the table

Cod as a Staple Food

During the late 17th century, ordinary Portuguese families relied on dried and salted cod, known as bacalhau, as an essential and affordable source of protein, especially during religious periods of abstinence like Lent. Cod was prized by the poor because it was fully utilized—from the loin to the tongue—making it economical and long-lasting in the kitchen.

Daily life

The Multipurpose Rural Home and Hearth

In rural homes, the fireplace was the central point for cooking, resting, and daily family life, often situated on a ground floor of packed earth. Households frequently consisted of a single room where furniture served multiple purposes, such as tables used for both eating and seating.

What people wore

Status Display in Merchant Wardrobes

Merchants during this period carefully curated their wardrobes to project status, often documenting expensive items like silk dresses or velvet breeches in their inventories while omitting common daily wear. Symbols of wealth and social standing included items like a crimson red woman's cape valued at 12,000 réis or a fine cloth suit costing 10,000 réis.

Getting around

Traffic chaos in 17th-century Lisbon streets

In late 17th-century Lisbon, coaches were luxury items that caused severe traffic congestion in narrow medieval streets, leading to violent disputes between elite passengers. Due to their size and the city's topography, sedan chairs and horse-litters remained the preferred transport for the quality.

What it cost

Lisbon olive oil price changes

Olive oil prices in Lisbon remained constant until 1670, then declined until about 1692 before beginning a steady rise.