Václav Eusebius František, Prince of Lobkowicz

At the table

Staples of the ordinary diet

Ordinary families relied on gruels made from millet, oats, or other cereals, and black bread often served with cheese or onions was a staple for working people.

What people wore

Festive clothing as valuable family inheritance

For many, festive clothing was a significant asset, carefully maintained so it could be sold when necessary or passed down as an inheritance to descendants. Producing and caring for these garments within the household was a primary daily responsibility for women.

Getting around

Traveling by foot and heavy carriages

Ordinary people, including laborers and pilgrims, typically traveled on foot, covering 20–30 km per day if the terrain allowed. Carriage travel was reserved for wealthier individuals and was often uncomfortable due to the vehicles' rigid construction and the poor, rutted condition of the roads.

What it cost

Purchasing power plummeted during the price revolution

Between 1543 and the period 1618-1620, the cost of living surged, causing the purchasing power of a thaler to drop from 30 kg of meat to only 5.6 kg.

Music

Town hall tower music schedules

Prague city trombonists were employed by the council to play pious motets from town hall towers, performing twice daily in spring and summer and once daily in autumn and winter.

Daily life

Shared meals and water access

Families typically ate together from a single large dish using wooden spoons. While wealthy houses sometimes had their own wells, urban residents often relied on public fountains or waterworks.