Ferdinand Charles, Archduke of Austria

At the table

Festive deep-fried treats

For celebrations, families might enjoy deep-fried pastries like Nonnenfürzle, which were made from dough cooked in hot fat and dusted with sugar.

What people wore

Noblewomen’s luxury clothing allowances

In the early 17th century, noblewomen were regulated by dress codes that specifically permitted them to wear gold chains valued at up to 100 gulden and pearl-adorned hoods worth 40 gulden.

Getting around

Walking and riding were primary transport methods.

Most people traveled on foot, covering 20 to 35 kilometers per day depending on the terrain. Wealthier individuals traveled by horse or carriage, though poor road conditions and the risk of accidents often limited daily progress to similar distances.

What it cost

Candle Prices

In the early 17th century, one pound of tallow candles cost 6 Kreuzer, while a pound of table candles cost 28 Kreuzer.

Music

Musical instruments at noble gatherings

At social gatherings of the nobility, people entertained themselves by dancing, playing games, and performing music on pairs of instruments such as the lute and viol, or cornetto and drum.

Daily life

The shared household-family life

Ordinary people lived in a household-family, a shared community where parents, children, grandparents, and staff worked together under one roof.