In the foreground, more on the right, the external facade of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari, framed on three sides by a line composed by the square modular elements taken from the mosaic decoration of the tower at the south-east of the Basilica.
Obverse script
Latin
Obverse lettering
REPUBBLICA ITALIANA
BASILICA
SAN NICOLA
BARI
M. A. CASSOL (Translation: Italian Republic)
Reverse description
In center a detail of the main portal featuring a warrior on a horse. Below and behind it a composition taken from the decoration of the sides of Elias` episcopal Throne which is housed inside the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari. In exergue the value with at left the date and mintmark at right.
Reverse script
Latin
Reverse lettering
ANNO DELLA CULTURA E LINGUA RUSSA
IN ITALIA
___________
2011 10 R
EURO (Translation: Year of Russian Culture and Language in Italy)