Lombardic capitals

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Lombardic capitals is the name given to a type of decorative uppercase letter used in inscriptions and, typically, at the start of a section of text in medieval manuscripts.^[1] They are characterized by their rounded forms with thick, curved stems. Paul Shaw describes the style as a "relative" of uncial writing.^[2]

Unlike Gothic capitals, Lombardic capitals were also used to write words or entire phrases. They were used both in illuminated manuscripts and monumental inscriptions, like the bell tower of Santa Chiara, Naples. In Italian, the style is known as "Longobarda" after an earlier spelling of Lombardy (Longobardia).^[3]