Barbara Szreńska

What people wore

Popularity of slitted clothing

Slitting sleeves and clothes to reveal contrasting linings or shirts underneath became a very popular trend in the early 16th century. This style was adopted by various social classes as a touch of flirtation and intimacy.

Daily life

Dim interiors and limited kitchen space

Homes often lacked dedicated kitchens, with cooking performed in a hall or over a central fire, while small windows and expensive lighting made interiors dim.

Work

Compulsory unpaid labor on manorial farms

Peasants spent much of their time performing unpaid labor, known as panszczyzna, on the lord's manorial farm in addition to working their own plots. This obligation was legally set at a minimum of one day per week by 1520 and often required farmers to provide their own horses, oxen, and equipment.

Music

Musical instruments at festivities

Instruments like the lute, harp, violin, and bagpipes were commonly used to accompany festivities, weddings, and parties at inns or manors.

At the table

Beer as everyday beverage

Beer was the main everyday beverage for many, often brewed domestically, while mead was also consumed, though less frequently than beer.

Getting around

Daily Travel Speeds in the 16th Century

In the 16th century, travelers on foot or in carts laden with goods typically covered about 25 km per day, while specialized postal routes could reach speeds of over 60 km per day.

What it cost

Wages and purchasing power in Krakow

An average unskilled laborer in 16th-century Kraków earned about 2 grosze per day, which was enough to buy over 70 kilograms of rye or 45 kilograms of wheat per week.