Pontifica is based on ‘protogothic’ calligraphy, a style developed at the monastery of St. Gall in the 12th century to replace Carolingian minuscule with a more efficient and compact system of lettering.

Ultimately it became the progenitor of the gothic lettering styles of the late Medieval period.

Also available to go with this font is a special swash version with a very different style, but compatible overall appearance.