Ludovico I - IV Duke of Piazza Pontida
Ludovico Quadri da October 1952
Lodovico Quadri (1897–1965), owner of a stationery and bookshop on Via dei Mille (later Via Paglia), already distinguished himself during the time of Pichetù as an excellent ducal printer. Among other achievements, he oversaw the printing of the 1930 volume of ducal poets and gifted friends with refined menu prints during ducal banquets.
In November 1947, as host of the Ducato, he set up and made available to friends a Ducal Tavern in his house in Colle Aperto, near the famous “Marianna” café, known for its ice creams. The tavern was frescoed by painter Eugenio Bertacchi with 41 figures, depicting the Dukes, ducal characters, masks, and various scenes.
A passionate supporter of Bergamasque traditions, Quadri was a patron and organizer of folkloric initiatives, earning him acclamation as Duke in October 1952.
His reign can be summarized by two main themes:
a) The motto “Vogliamoci bene” (“Let us love one another”), which he used to conclude each of his speeches, urging unity after the dispersions of the war and the brief reign of Duke Borsì.
b) The promotion of ducal activities mainly focused on folkloric performances, with each event concluding in the tavern among friends.
Among his most notable initiatives were:
The grand Mezza Quaresima celebrations, featuring parades of masks and allegorical floats through the city streets and the traditional fireworks in Piazza Pontida.
The support and enhancement of the ducal group “Arlecchino”, led by the expert Alfonso Orlando, active in Bergamo and beyond.
Relations with folkloric groups from the province (such as the Re dei Biligòcc of Albino or the Re Uovo of Clusone) and from all over Italy; for example, the March 1959 parade included participants from Venice, Parma, Milan, Brianza, Modena, Naples, and Turin.
The full participation of Bergamasque groups and the gioppinoria family, led by the Ducato’s official mask, Bigio Milesi.
Lodovico Quadri’s reign was therefore marked by enthusiasm for traditions, cultural promotion, and conviviality—elements that firmly established the Ducato as a key reference point for Bergamasque folkloric life.
The caricature of the duke
