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What people wore

Poor citizens wore cheap cloth slippers

In 18th-century Modena, the poor frequently wore cloth slippers, which were extremely cheap and easily made from scrap materials.

Daily life

Washing and water access in rural homes

Rural kitchens lacked modern sinks, so dishes were washed outside in the courtyard or under a porch using buckets and basins. Water was often drawn from a well located under the porch, where it was also used to water livestock.

Work

Memorable facts of working life

Workers in charitable hospices had to wear a visible license badge and were forbidden from selling their work tools, while city sewer cleaning was specifically performed on rest days when other work was suspended. Artisans serving the court, such as painters and gilders, were frequently observed suffering from occupational health issues caused by materials like mercury.

Music

Music in streets and squares

Outdoor public events featured brass and percussion musicians who accompanied processions and rituals in streets and squares. These performances blended with the sounds of the crowd, creating a conversational atmosphere shared across different social groups.

At the table

Bread as the common staple food

While nobles enjoyed refined breads, the main daily food for common people was bread made from grain, often in the form of simple, rustic focaccias.

Getting around

Travel by foot, mule, or carriage

For most people, travel between towns along the mountainous Via Vandelli was done on foot, horseback, or by mule, while only the flatter Emilian stretch could accommodate carriages. A full journey between Modena and Massa took about one week, even with postal service arrangements.

What it cost

Generous daily wine rations

Workers in northern Italy often received significant daily wine rations, sometimes ranging from 1 to over 5 liters, as part of their in-kind compensation.