Alexander Farnese

At the table

Meat as a rare treat

When a pig was slaughtered, it was customary for neighbors to share blood sausage as a gesture of friendship and good luck. Meat was otherwise rarely consumed by the poor, reserved primarily for special occasions like holidays.

What people wore

The everyday lucco robe for men

In summer, Florentine men of age eighteen or older often wore a long black robe called a lucco, which was made of serge or black cloth and reached nearly to their heels. For winter, this comfortable garment was often lined with fur or velvet to provide additional warmth.

Getting around

Dangerous mountain travel required extreme caution

Traveling the Apennines was so dangerous and arduous that travelers often made wills and held religious ceremonies before departing to protect themselves from bandits and accidents. Even royal visitors, like Galeazzo Sforza in 1471, had to have their carriages dismantled and moved by mule back.

What it cost

Meat prices during crisis periods

During times of crisis, a pound of veal cost between 40 and 50 soldi, while donkey meat was available for one carlino.

Music

Civic wind ensembles played for celebrations

Civic wind bands known as pifferi, typically consisting of shawms and trombones, provided music for major public ceremonies, banquets, and religious festivals.

Daily life

Diet and food preservation methods

Because refrigerators did not exist, food was heavily spiced to help preserve it, leading to gout among the rich who consumed significant amounts of meat. Poorer families relied on simpler diets consisting mainly of vegetables, legumes, and animal innards.