Types of flags in Italy

In Italy the Tricolore is the most common flag, but on public buildings it almost always appears next to the flag of the European Union and often next to the banner of the region or municipality. There are also flags for particular uses: naval ensigns, the standard of the President of the Republic, gonfalons and indoor flags. This guide describes the main types.

The Tricolore

Under article 12 of the Constitution, the flag of the Republic is the Italian tricolour: green, white and red, in three vertical bands of equal size. The green is at the hoist, and the flag's height is two thirds of its length. The Tricolore carries no arms: the Savoy shield, present since 1848, disappeared with the Republic in 1946. The history and meaning of the colours are in the guide to flag symbolism.

The European flag

The flag of the European Union, blue with twelve gold stars in a circle, is flown together with the Tricolore on all the public buildings listed in Law no. 22/1998. Under D.P.R. no. 121/2000 the two flags are of equal size and material, and the European flag takes second position. The order is described in the guide to flag protocol.

Regional flags

Many regions have adopted their own flag by regional law. The collection of regulations published by the State Ceremonial Office includes, among others:

In several regions the law provides for a ribbon in the national colours tied below the finial of the staff. The regional flag is flown together with the Tricolore and the European flag, usually on the Tricolore's left. In Sicily the regional law provides that private individuals are free to fly the regional flag, provided they do so with dignity.

Gonfalons and local authority banners

Regions, provinces and municipalities have a gonfalone, a banner hung from a crossbar, carried at ceremonies and sometimes displayed in the authority's offices. Under article 12 of D.P.R. no. 121/2000, whenever the authority's banner or gonfalone is to be displayed, the national and European flags are displayed too. In the order at ceremonies, the gonfalons of regions, provinces and municipalities come after the national flags and the decorated gonfalons.

Naval ensigns

According to the Italian Navy, the naval ensign established on 9 November 1947 is the Tricolore with the arms of the maritime republics, Venice, Pisa, Genoa and Amalfi, in the centre of the white band. For the Navy the arms are topped by a turreted and rostrate crown and the lion of Saint Mark holds a sword; for the merchant navy there is no crown and the lion holds a book. Vessels in non-commercial government service use the Tricolore with the emblem of the Republic.

Standard and distinguishing flags

The standard of the President of the Republic is square, red with a blue border, with a white lozenge in the centre and, in a green square, the gold emblem of the Republic. According to the State Ceremonial Office, it is flown when the President is present, for example on public buildings and on the Quirinale Palace. Other office holders, such as the President of the Council of Ministers, have a distinguishing flag.

Indoor and parade flags

Inside public offices the Tricolore and the European flag are displayed on floor-standing staffs, often with a finial and fringes. According to an Italian flag maker, military flags come in eight standard sizes, from the first, 5.50 × 8.25 metres, to the eighth, 0.30 × 0.45 metres. Sizes are described in the guide to flag sizes, and the factors that affect the price in the guide to buying a flag.