Everything you need to know about the Sardinia Flag
The Sardinia flag, also known as the “Flag of the Four Moors” or “Bandera de Sa Sardinia,” is an important symbol of the island’s history and culture. Featuring four moors’ heads on a white background with a red cross of Saint George, the flag has its roots in the defeat of the Moors by King Peter I of Aragon and Navarre in 1096.
Over time, the flag has become the symbol of an autonomous region within Italy. In this article, we will explore the origins and significance of the Sardinia flag and how it has become an essential part of the island’s identity. Before 1999, the Sardinian flag featured the heads of the Moors, which were blindfolded and facing towards the left.
We will delve into the historical context surrounding the flag’s creation, its evolution over time, and the meanings and symbolism behind its various elements. Join us on a journey through Sardinia’s rich and unique history as we uncover the story of the Sardinian flag.
Table of Contents
All about the Flag
The Sardinian flag is an important symbol of the island’s history and culture. It is also known as the “Flag of the Four Moors” or “Bandera de Sa Sardinia”. In this blog post, we will explore the origins and significance of the Sardinian flag.
Kingdom of Sardinia and the Official Flag
The Kingdom of Sardinia was a state in Italy that existed from the 14th century until the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The official flag of the Kingdom of Sardinia was a red cross on a white background.
The red cross was the Cross of Saint George, a symbol associated with the Kingdom of Aragon, which ruled Sardinia for several centuries.
Autonomous Region and the Sardinian Flag
Today, Sardinia is an autonomous region of Italy, which means it has its government and some degree of self-governance within the framework of the Italian Republic.
The current Sardinian flag was adopted in 1999 and featured the Four Moors, a symbol associated with Sardinia for centuries.
The Story of the Four Moors
The Four Moors represent four Moorish princes defeated by King Peter I of Aragon and Navarre during the battle of Alcoraz in 1096.
The heads of the defeated Moors were then used as a symbol of victory and displayed on the king’s coat of arms. Over time, the heads represented on the coat of arms were stylised into a design featuring four moors’ heads.
The Cross of Saint George and the Coat of Arms
As mentioned, the Cross of Saint George was associated with the Kingdom of Aragon, which ruled Sardinia for centuries. The cross was featured on the coat of arms of the Aragonese monarchs, including King Peter I of Aragon and Navarre, who defeated the Four Moors.
When the coat of arms was stylised into a design featuring the Four Moors, the Cross of Saint George was included on the flag.
Legendary Origin of the Sardinia Flag
The Sardinian flag’s origin is shrouded in legend, with competing Spanish and Sardinian traditions that puzzle scholars today. One story traces the flag’s creation to King Peter I of Aragon, who, according to Spanish lore, witnessed St. George’s miraculous appearance on the battlefield during the Battle of Alcoraz in 1096.
The story goes that the king was surrounded by four severed heads of Saracen kings, immortalising on the flag as four Moorish heads against a white background and the red cross of St. George.
On the other hand, the Sardinian-Pisan tradition attributes the flag’s design to a banner given by Pope Benedict VIII to the Pisans to aid the Sardinians in their conflict against the Saracens of Musetto, who were attempting to conquer the Italian peninsula and Sardinia.
This flag, however, features inverted colours and does not include the heads of the four Moors. The flag’s fabled origins offer a glimpse into the complex and captivating history of the island, providing a window into the cultural and spiritual legacy it has endured for centuries.
The Evolution of the Sardinian Flag
The Sardinian flag is a striking amalgamation of the Cross of St. George and four Moorish heads, initially depicted with blindfolds and turned towards the hoist. However, well-preserved pictures from the 16th century reveal a forehead bandage on the heads representing a significant departure from their original depiction.
Scholars believe that these heads symbolise the defeated Moorish princes, for the first time appearing in the 13th-century seals of the Crown of Aragon.
Notably, the heads on the seals bore beards and no bandages, in stark contrast to the heads adorning the Sardinian flag, which first appeared in a manuscript from the mid-14th century.
The evolution of these heads on the flag offers a glimpse into the rich and complex history of the island of Sardinia and the unique cultural heritage that has endured for centuries.
Modern Use of the Sardinia Flag
The iconic symbol of the Sardinian flag was first adopted as the regional coat of arms in 1950, with a decree issued by the President of the Republic. However, the journey to official recognition was lengthy, with the flag only receiving its official status in 1999 through the enactment of Regional Law n. 10.
The history of the Sardinian flag is a testament to the island’s enduring spirit and its people’s commitment to preserving their unique cultural identity. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the flag has emerged as a powerful symbol of Sardinia’s rich and diverse history and remains an enduring reminder of the island’s remarkable journey.
What does the Sardinian Flag mean?
Amidst the rich history of Sardinia and the Kingdom of Aragon, the association between the Four Moors flag and the former emerged. However, the mystique surrounding the Sardinian flag remains alive, with three main theories proposed to expound on the significance of the four Moors adorning it.
One theory postulates that the four Moorish heads symbolise the princes defeated in a fierce battle. Another theory proposes that the four heads represent the conquest of Zaragoza, Valencia, Murcia, and the Balearics by the Kingdom of Aragon.
Lastly, a third theory suggests that the four heads stand for the four mediaeval Judicates of Sardinia. Such a compelling history imbues the Sardinian flag with a captivating aura that intrigues scholars and laypeople alike.
Where can I see the Sardinia flag when I visit the island?
When you visit Sardinia, you can see the Sardinian flag flying proudly throughout the island. In addition, the flag can be seen in various settings, including government buildings, public squares, and private homes.
You may also see the flag on clothing, mugs, and keychains sold in local markets and souvenir shops. Additionally, during traditional festivals and parades, it is common to see the Sardinian flag prominently displayed alongside other symbols of the island’s culture and heritage.
In addition to the places mentioned earlier, you can also spot the Sardinian flag on the packaging of Ichnusa beer, a famous local beer brand brewed in Sardinia since 1912.
The beer’s name, Ichnusa, is the ancient name for Sardinia, and including the flag on the bottle is a nod to the island’s cultural heritage and long-standing traditions. So, whether you’re enjoying a cold Ichnusa on a hot summer day or simply admiring the flag’s distinctive design, it is clear that the Sardinian flag holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the people of Sardinia.
Overall Thoughts on the Sardinia Flag
The Sardinian flag, the “Flag of the Four Moors” or “Bandera de Sa,” symbolises the island’s rich history and culture. It features four moors’ heads on a white background with a red cross of Saint George.
The flag has its roots in the defeat of the Moors by King Peter I of Aragon and Navarre in 1096, and it has evolved to become the symbol of an autonomous region within Italy. The Sardinian flag serves as a reminder of the island’s unique heritage and identity.
Behold, an enthralling tidbit for curious minds! As you might not have known, a fascinating parallel exists between the Mediterranean island of Corsica, nestled north of Sardinia, and the Sardinian flag.
Remarkably, the Corsican banner, which falls under the purview of France, bears an uncanny resemblance. It features a solitary Moorish head embossed on a white backdrop, with a blindfold adoring the forehead, adding a mystique to the design.
For more Sardinia travel guides, beyond understanding where is Sardinia, please read:
Camping in Sardinia – The 9 Best Campsites and Travel Tips
Sardinia Road Trip – A 2 Week Complete Local Guide
Living in Sardinia, Italy – 17 Interesting Pros and Cons