 | |
| Use | Civil flag |
|---|---|
| Adopted | 1250 |
| Design | A white field charged with a red giglio |
 | |
| Use | State flag of theRepublic of Florence |
| Adopted | From Middle Age to 1569 |
| Design | A red field charged with a white cross |
Theflag of Florence, also known as theGiglio of Florence (Italian:Il Giglio Fiorentino), was the flag of theRepublic of Florence between 1250 and 1532. The flag persisted as a symbol of the city following the dissolution of the Republic and enjoys continued usage throughoutFlorence today.
The flag consists of a white field charged with a stylized rediris, commonly referred to as thegiglio.
One theory surrounding the origins of the flag can be traced back to founding of the city during theRoman Empire in 59 BC. The founding of the city during the period of the celebrations for the Roman goddessFlora led to flowers, in particular theiris, being celebrated as a symbol of Florence.[1] Another explanation for the adoption of the flag stems from the abundance of the flowerIris florentina around the city.[1]
The usage of red and white on the flag may possibly have derived from the coat of arms ofHugh, Margrave of Tuscany (969–1001), who adopted apalleted shield of alternating red and white vertical stripes.[2]
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the origins of thegiglio, by the 11th century the FlorentineGhibellines faction had adopted a coat of arms bearing a white giglio on a field of red, resulting in the symbol becoming associated with the city.[1] However, in 1250 the Ghibellines were defeated and exiled by their rivals, theGuelphs.[3]
The continued use of the white giglio on a red field by the exiled Ghibellines led to the Guelphs inverting the colours of the city, creating a flag bearing a red giglio on a white background.[4] The symbol was then used extensively in the city, being adorned on multiple public buildings whilst the flag was flown atop many others. The giglio was also featured in other ways, such as featuring on the shield ofMarzocco, the heraldic lion symbol which came to personify Florence in the 14th century. The best known depiction of the giglio and Marzocco can be found inPiazza della Signoria, which was created some time between 1418 and 1420 byDonatello.
The new symbol of Florence came to be used throughout the city and beyond as a symbol of Florentine power and strength. TheGiglio of Florence could be found in the areas surrounding Florence, such as inScarperia andCastlefiorentino, yet they were depicted without thestamens of the iris, which were exclusively reserved for usage on symbols in the city of Florence.[3]
The flag also featured on the firstFlorins minted by the city in 1252.[3]
In 1532Pope Clement VII created the titleDuke of the Florentine Republic to his relativeAlessandro de' Medici, replacing the Republic with theDuchy of Florence, ruled by theMedici family. By 1532 the Giglio of Florence was replaced with depictions of theMedici coat of arms.[4] Yet, usage of the Giglio of Florence saw continued widespread use by the population and remained synonymous with the city.
Between 1808 and 1814, Florence was under the control ofNapoleon Bonaparte, becoming the prefecture of theArno department of theFirst French Empire. Napoleonic control of the city led to attempts to ban the Giglio of Florence and replace it with another flag. Strong dissent and violent protests from the population led to the abandonment of such an idea.[1][3]
The Giglio of Florence can also be found adorning the elaborate facade ofFlorence Cathedral andGiotto's Campanile.
The Giglio of Florence continues to enjoy usage throughout the city. The flag is featured on the crest ofSerie A sideFiorentina. The flag also features heavily in the traditionalflag throwing competition for theMarzocco Trophy, which takes place on 1 May every year in thePiazza della Signoria.[5]
Throughout the city of Florence, the flag can be found flying from multiple public and private buildings, such as from thePalazzo Vecchio.[6]
The flag of Florence also features on numerous public amenities and services. For example, the flag can be found on garbage bins, ambulances, andtrolly poles throughout the city.
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Flag used until the defeat of the Ghibellines in 1250
