Was the Verdi family poor?
The Verdi had humble origins: Giuseppe's mother, Francesca Uttini, was a spinner; his father Carlo, on the other hand, came from a family of hosts. However, little Giuseppe did not grow up in poverty: his family drew sustenance from multiple economic activities that made the Verdi the real center of the Roncole community. Giuseppe Verdi spent his childhood in a house that was a tavern, a post office for horses, a hostel, a shop... and much more.
Giuseppe Verdi Birthplace (XVIII Secolo)Teatro e Casa Natale Giuseppe Verdi
On the left side of the structure is the stable, where the horses of the customers were supplied. At the back, a small door separates the space intended for horses from that reserved for poultry, pigs and rabbits. On the left, a door now closed was the access to the oven, used not only by the Greens, but by the whole country.
Giuseppe Verdi Birthplace (XVIII Secolo)Teatro e Casa Natale Giuseppe Verdi
The wine and cold cuts that the Verdi family served to the customers of the tavern were kept in the cellar.
Giuseppe Verdi Birthplace (XVIII Secolo)Teatro e Casa Natale Giuseppe Verdi
In the shop the Verdi family resold grains, tobacco and local products.
Giuseppe Verdi Birthplace (XVIII Secolo)Teatro e Casa Natale Giuseppe Verdi
The birthplace was above all a tavern: in fact, two rooms on the ground floor were reserved for the customers.
Giuseppe Verdi Birthplace (XVIII Secolo)Teatro e Casa Natale Giuseppe Verdi
Verdi's mother, in addition to helping in her husband's tavern, spun hemp. Today this is known as the "spinning room".
Giuseppe Verdi Birthplace (XVIII Secolo)Teatro e Casa Natale Giuseppe Verdi
In this room, located on the first floor, the passing patrons were given accommodation.
Giuseppe Verdi Birthplace (XVIII Secolo)Teatro e Casa Natale Giuseppe Verdi
What for us today is the back of the house, was once the main side. Right here there was a mill - now no longer existing - managed by the Verdi family.
