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The Italian flag: facts, colours and symbolism.

You'll see the national flag of Italy everywhere you go in the country, and not just flying from buildings!

Since the days of ancient Rome, flags and coats of arms have held a special place in the symbolism and culture of Italy. The present day national flag is no exception. 

Look out for it making an appearance in clothes, shoes, pasta, pizza, salads - even gelato! It's such an important part of life in Italy that it's worth knowing something about it before you visit.

Here's what it looks like, what it means, when it's flown, where you can buy one and what you can and can't do with it.

Italy's flag: colours.

It's a three coloured flag. also called tri-colour (in Italian, 'Il Tricolore' pronounced "Eel Tree-col-aw-ray"). The three vertical stripes are the same size, and the colours are green, white and red.

The green stripe is always placed nearest to the flagpole.

Don't mix up the flag of Italy with those of ...

Ireland, which is longer and green, white and orange; Mexico, which is also longer, uses darker shades of red and green and has a coat of arms on the white stripe; or the Côte d'Ivoire, which has the colours reversed and is orange, white and green.

The history of Italy's flag.

The colours were first adopted by the military in 1796, but it didn't fly as a civilian flag until 1797 when, with its arms and crown in the centre, it was adopted by the Cispadane Republic - a short-lived republic in the north of Italy.

When Italy became a Republic in June 1946, it adopted the simple "Tricolore" with no coat of arms. So in its present form, it's been the national flag for only a relatively short time.

Meaning of the Italian flag colours.

As ever, there's some controversy about the flag's colours. 

Its military origins have encouraged some to think that its design is based on the colours of Milan (red and white) and the Milanese civic guard (green). There's also a religious interpretation whereby green represents hope, white, faith and red, charity.

But that's a bit mundane for the people of Italy. They prefer a more romantic explanation.

The most popular - which has become the accepted fact - is that the colours represent Italy itself: white for the snowy Alps and other mountain regions; green for the plains and the hills; and red for blood spilt in the Italian wars of independence.

Which is right? Whichever you choose!

The Italian flag colours: controversy.

One thing is for certain: the Italian people take their flag's colours very seriously. When President Silvio Berlusconi tried to introduce a subtle change of colour, he was accused of attempting a "chromatic coup d'état". The people were not amused.

Politicians and people alike were furious. So outraged, in fact, that the country actually considered a national referendum to allow the public to choose the right shades.  

But Berlusconi, sensing a revolt, backed down. The referendum was never required.

The Italian flag: when's it used?

As in any country, the flag is flown at ceremonial occasions and on government buildings.

It's unusual for Italians to fly their flag on their houses or in their garden in the way families in the United States do.

The exception to that is when the national football (soccer) team is doing well in any tournament. At that point, you'll see the flag everywhere: draped from windows, flying from cars and wrapped around supporters.

What's its relationship to the European Union flag?

This is the other flag you'll see on your travels in Italy.

In Italy, the flag of the European Union - twelve golden stars on a blue background - must be flown alongside the national flag over public buildings and at official ceremonies.

It's optional in other situations, though the two flags are often flown together as a symbol of Italy's allegiance to the Union. 

The Italian flag and food!

But in Italy, the flag is used for much more than just for flying. They don't make a big deal of it, but Italian people love their flag, and love to show it - although almost always in a cleverly understated way.

Its colours feature in everything from footballs to ice cream, pizza and salads. It's most in evidence at football matches, it flies from public buildings, it's used as a design feature for clothing and all manner of private and civic celebrations.

And often, in the Italians other great love - food.

Pizza Margherita was originally made in Naples for a visit of Queen Margherita of Savoy, in the colours of the Italian flag. So, red tomatoes, white mozarella cheese and fresh, green basil.

It remains a firm favourite amongst the many pizzas eaten in Italy today. You're bound to see it during your stay - give it a try. It's simple, and simply delicious! 

And then there's that other food standard, the Caprese Salad. Same ingredients: tomatoes, mozarella, basil.   Usually served arranged in those coloured rings on a plate. Sometimes, though, with a variation on how it's served.  

But never a variation in the colours. Caprese salad is always in the flag's colours. If there's any added colour, it's not a true Caprese.

That doesn't mean you can't be adventurous, though. Try it like this - as Caprese kebabs. Delicious, and always adds a dash of colour to a buffet table.  

Where to buy the Italian flag.

If you're in Italy, any of the thousands of souvenir shops will sell you one. If you happen to be there when the national football (soccer) team is playing, the stands outside the ground sell them.

And if you're not in Italy, the obvious answer is Amazon. (If you click this link and buy, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Read more about affiliate links, here.)

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