Beatrice d'Este

At the table

Winter pig slaughter and blood usage

In December, families slaughtered pigs and used every part, including filtering and cooking the blood with breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices to make a dish called cervellati.

What people wore

Soldiers' neckcloths indicated their rank

In the Duchy of Modena, soldiers' neckcloths served as rank identifiers, with ordinary soldiers tying them at the back and corporals wearing them with the ends hanging down at the front.

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.

Music

Public festivities with cannons and wine

In the Duchy of Modena, public celebrations like royal birthdays were marked by the sound of thunderous cannons and festive singing in cathedrals. During these events, fountains in the city were sometimes made to flow with wine for the populace to enjoy.

Daily life

Education and work for poor children

Religious institutions, such as the local poorhouse, provided basic education for children, which included lessons in reading and writing alongside rigorous work schedules and religious observance. Many children also learned trades by working in city workshops or spinning mills under the guidance of older laborers.