by InTrieste
In a celebration of Italy’s storied academic tradition, Poste Italiane has issued commemorative stamps honoring three universities that reached significant milestones in 2024. Among them is the University of Trieste, which marked its centennial with a specially designed stamp, part of the “Excellence in Knowledge” series issued by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
The €1.25 stamp features a line-drawing of the university’s iconic main building set against a backdrop of its centenary colors. Rising behind the structure is the number “100,” rendered as a radiant sun, symbolizing a new dawn for education and knowledge.
Joining Trieste in this honor are the University of Florence, which also celebrated its 100th anniversary, and the University of Naples “Federico II,” commemorating an extraordinary 800 years since its founding.
“These small works of art celebrate the academic world, the sciences, and education,” said Roberto Di Lenarda, Rector of the University of Trieste. “Our stamp reflects a new dawn of knowledge and pays tribute to the cultural synthesis that has long defined our university’s role in the Giuliano region. This milestone year culminated in the conferral of honorary degrees to President Sergio Mattarella of Italy and Borut Pahor, former President of Slovenia.”
A Tribute to Italian Academia
The stamps, designed by Paola Russo and Maria Carmela Perrini, were unveiled during a ceremony attended by Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and Minister of Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. Also present were the rectors of the three universities and representatives from Poste Italiane.
“Today, more than ever, we must value who we are and where we come from,” Urso remarked. “Italians are globally recognized as great contributors to humanity’s culture. This distinction enhances the competitiveness of our Made in Italy. Knowledge, study, and science are fundamental to this legacy.”
Bernini emphasized the symbolic resonance of the stamps. “They are both a testament to the past and a herald of the future. Like higher education, stamps are a means of connection. They tell stories, commemorate milestones, and celebrate the individuals who have shaped history.”
Stamps as Cultural Icons
Printed by the State Mint and Printing Institute, the stamps boast a production run of 250,020 copies each. They are available at philatelic counters across Italy and through the official postal website.
The issuance pays homage to the intertwined histories of these universities and the nation itself, underscoring the enduring role of Italian academia in shaping the future of millions of students.
As Minister Urso concluded, “These stamps remind us of the enduring power of culture, education, and the pursuit of knowledge—a legacy that Italy proudly carries into the future.”
Interview: Rector Roberto Di Lenarda
