Description

The Italian Capitals of Culture for 2023 have been selected as Bergamo and Brescia.

The concept behind the 2023 Italian Capitals of Culture aims to showcase a diverse urban and rural environment, presenting a cultural project that combines art, culture, agriculture, and cuisine to revitalize tourism and promote sustainable socio-economic development.

Bergamo holds a rich history, thriving under the Lombards in the early Middle Ages. It earned the nickname "Town of the Thousand" due to the significant contribution made by its volunteers during the Risorgimento uprisings led by Giuseppe Garibaldi. Divided by the Renaissance Venetian walls, Bergamo is split into the Lower Town (Città Bassa) and the Upper Town (Città Alta). The two parts of the city are connected through a network of long, narrow stairways and cable railways.

Brescia embodies the spirit of Lombardy with influences from Venice. Known as "the Lioness" for its brave resistance against the Austrians in 1849, the city boasts a remarkable artistic and architectural heritage and serves as an industrial powerhouse. Brescia is renowned for hosting the Mille Miglia vintage car race and is surrounded by a vast and diverse countryside, including the picturesque hills of Franciacorta, a world-class wine-producing region.

Designer: Uliana Pernazza
Issue date: 20.02.2023

Obverse

The upper portion showcases several historical buildings in the city of Bergamo, including the Galgario Tower, the Baptistery of the Cathedral, San Giacomo Gate (Porta San Giacomo), and Palazzo della Ragione. In the center, there are notable historical buildings in the city of Brescia, such as the Castle, also known as the "Falcone d'Italia" (The Italian Eagle), Palazzo della Loggia, and the "Capitolium." In the lower section, on the left, there is a decorative motif inspired by the mosaic floor of the Domus dell'Ortaglia in the ancient archaeological site of "Brixia," which preserves traces of Brescia's oldest remains. On the right, there is a detailed depiction of a capital from the Palazzo della Ragione. At the bottom left, the designer's name, "U. PERNAZZA," is displayed. Above and below, in an arch shape, the inscription "REPUBBLICA ITALIANA" is featured.

REPUBBLICA
U.PERNAZZA
ITALIANA

Reverse

The left side features intricate elements from the "Vittoria Alata" (Winged Victory), a bronze statue symbolizing the city, housed in the Capitolium of Brescia. Positioned above is a decorative mosaic motif inspired by the floor of the Domus dell'Ortaglia. On the right side, there are depictions of two geese and a floral motif taken from a capital found in the Palazzo della Ragione. In the center, there are detailed representations of the Northern Portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo. Surrounding the design in an arch shape, there are inscriptions reading "BERGAMO•BRESCIA" and "Italian Capitals of Culture 2023". On the left side, the letter "R" identifies the Mint of Rome, while on the lower right side, the value is indicated.

BERGAMO • BRESCIA
R
EURO
5
CAPITALI ITALIANE DELLA CULTURA 2023

Edge

5 Euro

KM# 499
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Copper
Weight 15 g
Diameter 32 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute (IPZS)

Related coins

Pesaro

Italian Capitals of Culture

Copper, 15 g, ⌀ 32 mm