Maria Ernestina d'Este

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

Forced labor for winter road maintenance

To keep the road clear during harsh winters, local men were forbidden from leaving their homes for six months, from December to May, under penalty of imprisonment. They were assigned specific sections to clear of snow, and the work was paid for by the state.

At the table

Summer refreshments called latati

During hot summer months, people refreshed themselves with drinks called latati, which were milk-like beverages made from ingredients like lemons, citrons, and almonds.

Music

Public festivities with cannons and wine

In the Duchy of Modena, public celebrations like royal birthdays were marked by the sound of thunderous cannons and festive singing in cathedrals. During these events, fountains in the city were sometimes made to flow with wine for the populace to enjoy.

Daily life

Education and work for poor children

Religious institutions, such as the local poorhouse, provided basic education for children, which included lessons in reading and writing alongside rigorous work schedules and religious observance. Many children also learned trades by working in city workshops or spinning mills under the guidance of older laborers.

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.