Esculapio I - V Duke of Piazza Pontida

Mario Morotti is the eleventh Duke in the history of the Ducato di Piazza Pontida. Formerly the treasurer of the association, he chose the ducal name “Smiciatöt Ü',” inspired by the poet Giacinto Gambirasio, known as “Gambì Smiciatöt,” director of the periodical Giopì. The nickname, rather than meaning “nosy,” refers to a keen observer of Bergamo’s social life, able to offer constructive criticism.
In his program as Duke, Morotti emphasized collegial leadership, the involvement of young people and women in the Ducato’s activities, and the promotion of Piazza Pontida through evenings of entertainment and initiatives aimed at younger audiences.

Bruno Agazzi, the tenth Duke of Piazza Pontida, known by his ducal name LÌBER PRIM, entered the Ducato “through the back door,” beginning as the printer of the periodical GIOPÌ. With a long and consistent career within the Ducato, he was appointed J.P. knight in 1974 and treasurer in 1992, until his election as Duke in 1999.
Under his leadership, the Ducato promoted the renewal of the newspaper, the creation of the National Festival and Award of Italian Poetry in Dialect, the publication of the Italian-Bergamasco dictionary, and the installation of the bronze statue of Arlecchino in Piazza Pontida. LÌBER PRIM also focused on enhancing the square, organizing open-air summer performances, and presenting opera concerts, making popular culture accessible to the entire city. The Duke is supported by his spouse Primarosa and a team of experienced collaborators who assist in managing traditions and cultural initiatives.

Francesco Barbieri, known as BRASCA Ü, was the 9th Duke of Piazza Pontida, first elected in 1989 and re-elected three more times thanks to the respect and admiration he earned both within and beyond the Duchy. An experienced journalist and public administrator, Barbieri brought to his ducal role a profound sense of balance, tolerance, and conciliatory skill. During his mandate, he oversaw the renewal of GIOPÌ, introducing more cohesive content, photographs, and caricatures, and guided the drafting of the fourth ducal statute, leaving a lasting example of integrity, competence, and dedication to Bergamasque culture and traditions.

The three-year reign of Duke Pietro I was marked by significant commitments and complex challenges, directly inherited from his predecessor, Duke Gibellini. While benefiting from a solid, well-established staff and a structured administration, Pietro I managed to imprint his own style, introducing new initiatives and contributing to the enhancement of the Duchy’s cultural heritage. Among his achievements were the replacement of Sala Greppi with the San Sisto theater in Colognola to host the Dialect Theater Festival, and the launch of innovative artistic projects, such as the Arlecchino statues placed in a unique way in Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe. A man of action, skilled at coordinating collaborators and engaging with local institutions, Pietro I left a lasting mark on the Duchy, consolidating traditions and promoting cultural initiatives that remain significant to this day.

The reign of Andrea Gibellini as Duke of Piazza Pontida, from 1981 to 1986, marked a period of renewal and cultural vitality. Taking office during a delicate moment, he successfully combined experience and innovation, reforming the GIOPÌ and promoting significant events such as the International Folklore Festival and the Regional Dialect Theater Review. A forward-looking man attentive to Bergamasque traditions, Gibellini was able to enhance the Ducato’s activities, contributing to art, culture, and the community.

The reign of Gianfranco Cantini, known as Orobico I, Duke of Piazza Pontida (1977-1980), marked a period of cultural renewal and enhancement for the Duchy. During his mandate, Cantini promoted historical and literary initiatives, organized lectures on notable Bergamasque figures, and curated exhibitions on local heritage. His crowning achievement was securing a new Duchy headquarters in the heart of Piazza Pontida, symbolizing his foresight and commitment to strengthening the bond between the institution and the community.

Lodovico Quadri (1897–1965), manager of a stationery shop in Bergamo, distinguished himself as an excellent ducal printer and passionate supporter of local traditions. In November 1947, he set up a Ducal Tavern in his house at Colle Aperto, decorated by painter Eugenio Bertacchi, becoming a gathering place for friends and enthusiasts of Bergamasque culture. Acclaimed Duke in October 1952, he led the Ducato di Piazza Pontida with the motto “Let’s cherish one another,” promoting folkloric performances, parades, traditional groups, and cultural initiatives that established the Ducato as a cornerstone of the city’s folkloric and cultural life.