Portrait of Mario Morotti, eleventh Duke of Piazza Pontida, known as “Smiciatöt Ü'.”

Smiciatöt - XI Duke of Piazza Pontida

Mario Morotti da June 2014

Mario Morotti is the eleventh Duke in the history of the Ducato. By his own choice, Morotti—formerly the Ducato’s treasurer—took the name “Smiciatöt Ü',” which he discovered while reading about the association’s history and the life of Giacinto Gambirasio, ducal poet and one of the most esteemed editors of the periodical Giopì, who signed himself as “Gambì Smiciatöt.” The nickname does not mean “nosy,” but rather a keen observer of Bergamo’s social life and, consequently, a constructive critic.

In outlining his program, Morotti also addressed the issue of Piazza Pontida, where no agreement had yet been reached between the Ducato and the square’s public businesses regarding the traditional Friday evening shows, scheduled to begin on June 27 and continue throughout July. Smiciatöt Ü' expressed confidence in reaching an agreement at a meeting already planned for that week. The entertainment schedule, he suggested, could also be expanded to attract a younger audience. Moreover, the new Duke’s program—built on the principle of “collegial leadership”—included the intention to involve more women and young people in the life of the Ducato.

The caricature of the duke

Caricature illustration of Mario Morotti, eleventh Duke of Piazza Pontida, known as “Smiciatöt Ü'.”

Portrait of Bruno Agazzi, tenth Duke of Piazza Pontida, known by the ducal name “LÌBER PRIM.”

Liber Prim - X Duke of Piazza Pontida

Bruno Agazzi from June 1999 to June 2014

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.

Photo of Francesco Barbieri, 9th Duke of Piazza Pontida, known as BRASCA Ü.

Brasca Ü - IX Duke of Piazza Pontida

Francesco Barbieri from October 1989 to March 1999

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.

Portrait of Duke Pietro I of Piazza Pontida, depicted as a man of action and cultural promoter of the Duchy.

Pietro I - VIII Duke of Piazza Pontida

Pietro Polenghi from October 1986 to January 1989

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.

Portrait of Duke Andrea Gibellini of Piazza Pontida, in office from 1981 to 1986, depicted as a cultural promoter and innovator of Bergamasque folkloric traditions.

Andrea I - VII Duke of Piazza Pontida

Andrea Gibellini from December 1980 to October 1986

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.

Gianfranco Cantini, Orobico I, Duke of Piazza Pontida (1977–1980), depicted as a cultural promoter and innovator of the Duchy, creator of the new headquarters in Piazza Pontida, and organizer of historical and literary lectures.

Orobico I - VI Duke of Piazza Pontida

Gianfranco Cantini from December 1977 to December 1980

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.

Cino Rampoldi, Esculapio I – 5th Duke of Piazza Pontida (1967–1979), physician and cultural promoter from Bergamo.

Esculapio I - V Duke of Piazza Pontida

Cino Rampoldi from March 1966 to December 1977

Cino Rampoldi, known as Esculapio I, a surgeon by profession, led the Duchy of Piazza Pontida from 1967 to 1979. His rule marked a decisive turning point: from a convivial fellowship, the Duchy evolved into a true cultural institution, dedicated to preserving and promoting Bergamo’s traditions, history, and cultural heritage.

Lodovico Quadri, Duke of Piazza Pontida (1952–1965), depicted as a passionate supporter of Bergamasque traditions and a promoter of folkloric performances and cultural initiatives.

Ludovico I - IV Duke of Piazza Pontida

Ludovico Quadri from October 1952

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.