Archduchess Margaretha of Austria

At the table

Meat was a rare luxury

Meat was a luxury rarely eaten by the poor, and consuming it was a symbol of wealth and power, often reserved for special occasions or festivities.

What people wore

Festive Accessories for Women

On feast days, rural women decorated their modest outfits with modest silver crosses, necklaces made of jet, coral, or amber, and ribbons that adorned their chests. While they often worked barefoot, these festive accessories allowed them to appear much more elegant than on regular working days.

Getting around

The postal relay system

The postal service system, established in the 16th century, allowed travelers to change horses at relay stations, which was considered the fastest and most advanced method of transport.

What it cost

Daily wages in Seville in the 1550s

A casual laborer in Seville typically earned about 74 maravedíes per day during the 1550s.

Music

Home music and the vihuela

The vihuela was a widely played instrument at home, and seven printed songbooks published between 1536 and 1576 contain hundreds of secular works including ballads, sonnets, and villancicos. These books were instrumental in spreading music beyond elite courtly circles into ordinary households.

Daily life

Cooking and dining in the kitchen

The kitchen was the heart of the home, where families gathered around a low fireplace to cook, eat, and socialize. Food was often handled with fingers as forks were not yet in general use.