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Infanta Isabel, Countess of Gergenti

Madrid, 20 Dec 1851 – Paris, 22 Apr 1931

9 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 20 Dec 1851

    Born in Madrid

  2. 22 Apr 1931

    Dies in Paris, aged 79

During her lifetime

She lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Madrid.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1850s · Infanta is born in Madrid

In the news1853–1882

1853: Mass emigration to Latin America starts

From 1853 to 1882, 325,000 Galicians emigrated, marking a period of intense, large-scale migration to Latin American countries like Cuba and Brazil.

What people wore

Limited wardrobes for humble women

A typical humble woman in mid-19th century Spain often possessed only two outfits: one for daily work and one reserved for Sundays and feast days.

Getting around

Stagecoach travel revolutionizes Spanish transit

Organized stagecoach travel between major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia began in 1816, significantly reducing travel times by the 1850s. For example, a journey from Madrid to Barcelona that took about 13 days in the 1820s was reduced to 3 to 4 days by the 1850s.

Italy is unified. Garibaldi, Cavour and Victor Emmanuel joined the Italian states into one kingdom, with Rome its capital from 1871.In Europe · 1859–1871

Italy is unified. Garibaldi, Cavour and Victor Emmanuel joined the Italian states into one kingdom, with Rome its capital from 1871.

Baldassare Verazzi (1819-1886) · public domain

In the news1855

1855: Major Railway Expansion Law enacted

The 1855 General Railway Act spurred massive construction, with 460 km built annually from 1856 to 1866, connecting the country.

Music

Popular festive dances and music

Popular dances like the fandango, jota, and polkas were enjoyed at festivals and public gatherings, often accompanied by instruments like the guitar or local brass bands.

Daily life

Buying fish for 2 reales

In Santoña, residents could buy fresh fish directly from fishing nets pulled to the shore for as little as 2 reales, although the catch size varied significantly.