A carroccio was a large four-wheeled wagon bearing the city signs around which the militia of the medieval communes gathered and fought. It was particularly common among the Lombard, Tuscan and, more generally, northern Italian municipalities. Later its use spread even outside Italy. It was the symbol of municipal autonomy. Priests celebrated Mass at the altar before the battle, and the trumpeters beside them encouraged the fighters to the fray.
The carroccio of Milan on an ancient miniature
The carroccio of Legnano, a history painting by Amos Cassioli (1832–1891).
Plaque commemorates the departure of the carroccio in San Simpliciano church towards Legnano just before the homonymous battle
Reproduction of the carroccio during the historical parade of the Palio di Legnano 2015
Medieval communes in the European Middle Ages had sworn allegiances of mutual defense among the citizens of a town or city. These took many forms and varied widely in organization and makeup.
Defensive towers at San Gimignano, Tuscany, bear witness to the factional strife within communes.
The defence of the Carroccio during the battle of Legnano (1176) by Amos Cassioli (1832–1891)