Catherine of Braganza

Music

Cornetto and dulcian in church services

By the early 17th century, the cornetto and dulcian became standard instruments in major Portuguese cathedrals to double or replace vocal parts. The dulcian was especially versatile, serving as a musical bridge between singers and instrumentalists, and was played during Sunday services and holy days.

At the table

Daily Diet of a Fieldworker

A 17th-century fieldworker typically consumed up to 1 kilogram of bread daily, accompanied by broth, vegetables, small amounts of meat or fish, and large quantities of wine.

Daily life

Low literacy rates in Porto region

In the region of Porto during this period, only about 16% of the population could read and write.

What people wore

Fishermen's work and festive attire

Fishermen typically wore simple linen drawers, a co-called sertum vest, and a wool hat for work, but dressed in blue cloth trousers, vests, and jackets for Sundays and town visits. Silver-buckled shoes were reserved for major feast days like weddings or Saint Peter's Day.

Getting around

Caminheiros: Specialized Travel Messengers

Specialized professionals known as 'caminheiros' were hired for journeys longer than one day to transport small items and deliver oral messages on foot.

What it cost

Declining living standards in the 1600s

During the 17th century, living standards for both skilled and unskilled workers in cities like Lisbon and Coimbra declined, placing Portugal among European countries with falling living standards at the time.