Italy Flag

Green: Represents the Italian landscape, hope, and renewal. White: Symbolizes the snow-capped Alps, peace, and faith. Red: Represents the blood shed for Italian independence and unification, as well as love and valor. The three colors together represent the unity of the Italian nation and the ideals of liberty that fueled the Risorgimento movement.

The Italian tricolour originated on January 7, 1797, when the Cispadane Republic decreed that the flag of three colours - green, white, and red - should become universal. The colors were inspired by the French revolutionary model and had deep roots in regional heritage: white and red from Milan's municipal coat of arms (red cross on white field) and green from Milan's Civic Guards uniforms. During the Napoleonic era (1796-1814), the flag symbolized democratic ideals and national independence. After being set aside following the Congress of Vienna, it re-emerged during the Risorgimento as a symbol of Italian unification, notably mentioned in Goffredo Mameli's 1847 national anthem. King Charles Albert officially adopted it in 1848 for the first war of independence. The Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946) used variants with the House of Savoy coat of arms. The modern republican version was established in 1946 and confirmed in 1947.

Three vertical bands of equal width arranged from hoist to fly: green (pantone 17-6153), white, and red (pantone 18-1664). The original Cispadane Republic flag featured horizontal bands with a quiver containing four arrows surrounded by a laurel garland at the center of the white band. The Kingdom of Italy versions included the House of Savoy escutcheon fimbriated azure on the white band to prevent color conflicts. The current republican design is a simple tricolour without additional emblems.

The Italian flag is governed by specific display protocols and is protected by law. It must be displayed with proper respect and dignity, with green always positioned at the hoist (left side when viewed from the front). The flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset on public buildings and can be displayed 24 hours when properly illuminated. During official mourning periods, it may be flown at half-mast. The flag must never touch the ground and should be properly folded and stored when not in use. Desecration of the flag is prohibited by Italian law and subject to legal penalties.