Court Life: How People Lived in the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, a castle was not only a defensive fortification, but also a vital centre, a microcosm reflecting the society and culture of the time. Every day, within the robust walls of a medieval castle, stories of power, intrigue and complex social relations were woven. The Torre Alfina Castle stands as a living testimony to medieval life, with its daily routine of strategies, duties and moments of great pomp.
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A Typical Medieval Day
The castle came alive at dawn: bells called servants and ladies to their daily tasks. The knights practised in the courtyardpreparing for possible battles or tournaments, while the ladies supervised the running of the mansion. The lord of the castle, meanwhile, was in charge of of land administration and political issues.
In the afternoon, the courtyard could turn into an arena for knightly tournamentsevents that not only entertained, but also served to strengthen alliances and prove the valour of knights. But there was no shortage of intrigue: medieval castles were also places of alliances and conflictswhere political and family relationships were mixed with games of power and cunning. The day usually culminated with convivial banquetsduring which political strategies were discussed and family ties strengthened.
The Role of the Ladies in the Castle
La checkers of the castle played a key role in the daily housekeeping and child-rearing. In addition to domestic tasks, women were often engaged in theland administration, resource management and easement supervision. In the absence of the lord, they could even hire responsibility for the defence of the castlecoordinating the protection of the walls and ensuring supplies during possible sieges.
Their skills in embroidery, weaving and the arts were appreciated, but also their political intelligence could make a difference at critical moments. Ladies actively participated in marriage strategies, often used to strengthen alliances between families. Some of them exerted great influence in political affairs, advising husbands and sons on matters of politics and diplomacy.
Medieval Dinner: Recipes and Curiosities
Medieval cuisine in the Torre Alfina Castle reflected the resources available in Tuscia Viterbese. During banquets, they served local game meat, such as wild boar and hareaccompanied by spicy sauces. Spices, often imported, were a sign of prestige and used to flavour and preserve food. The wine, produced in the nearby hillswas the main drink, while sweets, such as honey and fruit cakes, were a luxury reserved for special occasions.
Among the medieval recipes of Tuscia, handed down and still widespread today, we find acquacottaa soup of peasant origin prepared with seasonal vegetables, stale bread and sometimes eggs or cheese. In the confectionery tradition of Viterbo, one then finds the mortarioli, honey biscuitsalmonds and cinnamon, of medieval origin, appreciated even by St Francis.
How the Castle of Torre Alfina was Defended
The defence of Torre Alfina Castle was based on strong walls, watchtowers and a strategic location on high ground. The knights wore heavy armour and used swords and spears in battle. Bows and crossbows were employed for long-distance defence. But defence was not only limited to physical battle: other stratagems were common. Medieval castles were designed to survive long sieges: the wells for water and food supplies were essential to withstand prolonged periods without supplies. Some castles, such as Torre Alfina, also had secret passages and hidden chambersto protect the lord's family in the event of an attack.
Living in the Castle of Torre Alfina during the Middle Ages meant immersing oneself in a reality of fascination and responsibility. Life was not only about parties, banquets and tournaments, but also about sacrifices, duties and everyday life. Today, by visiting this magnificent fortress in Tuscia Viterbese, we can relive the stories of those who lived there and appreciate the cultural heritage they left us.
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