Entertainment has belonged to the space of the city since the Middle Ages to such an extent that it can be considered a sign of urbanity. Cities have historically been centres of cultural life, varying in the quality of the entertainment, diversion and leisure options on offer.
The city provided both public and private space for entertainment. In the Middle Ages and early modern period, entertainment took place in public squares, streets, market places, town halls, but also in enclosed spaces such as inns, which were later supplemented by cafés and wine bars.
Entertainment was also associated with the private space of bourgeois households.