Italy. 850 years of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
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14.10.2025
On October 14, 2025, the Italian Post issued a postage stamp commemorating the 850th anniversary of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore), located in Modena and Reggio Emilia, is one of the oldest universities in Italy and Europe.
The University of Modena was founded in 1175, specializing in law, medicine, mathematics, and the natural sciences. Over the centuries, the university evolved, experiencing periods of decline and rebirth, changing its forms, programs, and locations, but always remained the center of intellectual life in the region. In 1998, a branch was opened in Reggio Emilia, which also boasted a rich tradition of university education: law, theology, and philosophy were taught there.
The creation of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia not only united the educational traditions of the two cities in a single institution but also gave a powerful impetus to the university's development, leading to a significant increase in scientific and academic activity, which continues to this day.
The postage stamp reproduces a fragment of the traditional Italian gonfalon - the heraldic flag of Unimore University - with an image of Saint Geminianus on horseback. He is considered the heavenly protector and patron of the city and University of Modena.
Saint Geminianus, or San Geminiano, is a Christian saint and the second Archbishop of Modena, who lived in the 4th century. Many stories and legends are closely associated with his name. According to legend, he helped people in trouble and possessed the power to exorcise demons. At the invitation of Emperor Jovian, the Archbishop traveled to Constantinople, where he healed the emperor's daughter. The scene of the Saint's departure from Modena on horseback appears repeatedly on bas-reliefs decorating the cathedral, as well as in city chronicles.
The image of Saint Geminianus on horseback is often found in local symbolism. For example, in the 15th century, it was recorded as the coat of arms of the city commune of Modena, and in the 17th century, it became the symbol of the University of Modena. In the 20th century, the artist Adamo Pedrazzi created a simplified, stylized version for the university's official standard. It depicts Saint Geminianus in archbishop's vestments, wearing a chasuble, mitre, and crosier, his horse covered in a rich blanket - in the colors of Modena, with a blue cross on a gold field.
Designer Tiziana Trinca, who worked on the postage stamp, masterfully captured the vibrant, saturated colors, texture of the fabric, the voluminous embroidery, and the fine details of the design.
The official presentation of the postage stamp took place on October 14, 2025, in the Great Rector's Hall of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
This postage stamp is a small window into the vast world of academic scholarship, which began in the Middle Ages and continues to develop in the 21st century under the patronage of Saint Geminianus.
Sources: filatelia.poste.it, unimore.it
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This text has been translated using Google Translate
I apologize for any errors or inaccuracies
I apologize for any errors or inaccuracies