Princess Maria Antonia Koháry, 2nd Princess of Koháry

What people wore

Large pearl hat decorations for young men

In Transylvania, young men pinned a pearl bouquet (gyöngyös bokréta) on their hats that was often so large it pulled the hat to the side.

Getting around

Fast coach travel with the gyorsparaszt

Some travelers used a fast coach known as the gyorsparaszt, which could reach speeds of 12-13 km/h on ordinary wagons, completing the trip from Buda to Vienna in just one day and one night. This method sacrificed comfort, as these were often open vehicles on undeveloped roads.

At the table

Swamp turtles as everyday food

Swamp turtles were considered a normal, common food item and were sometimes served as a delicacy, costing 1.5 florins for two pairs.

Music

Peasant orchestras at royal celebrations

At large festivities like those for Maria Theresa in 1773, over a thousand peasants danced to music provided by their own orchestras.

Daily life

Limited Hygiene and Sanitation Practices

Bathing was rare, and people typically washed their face and hands using a bowl and carafe. Toilets were uncommon in private town dwellings, and chamber pots were standard for physiological needs, often being emptied out of windows.

What it cost

Unusual delicacies in late 18th-century diet

In the late 18th century, swamp turtles were considered standard food; a record from the period shows a price of 1 forint and 50 krajcár paid for two pairs of turtles. Additionally, officials purchased 1,700 river crayfish on the same day as part of their diet.