Stella d'Italia
Videos
The Stella d'Italia, popularly known as Stellone d'Italia, is a five-pointed white star, which has symbolized Italy for many centuries. It is the oldest national symbol of Italy, since it dates back to Graeco-Roman mythology when Venus, associated with the West as an evening star, was adopted to identify the Italian peninsula. From an allegorical point of view, the Stella d'Italia metaphorically represents the shining destiny of Italy.
The Stella d'Italia on the first coins of a united Italy
The stars of the uniforms of the Italian Armed Forces, which have their origin in the Stella d'Italia
The Stella d'Italia that metaphorically assists the Italian soldier in the trenches in a postcard of the First World War
L’Italia turrita e stellata, 1861, Palazzo Reale of Naples. Note the little star on the crown.
Emblem of Italy
Videos
The emblem of the Italian Republic was formally adopted by the newly formed Italian Republic on 5 May 1948. Although often referred to as a coat of arms, it is an emblem as it was not designed to conform to traditional heraldic rules. The emblem is used extensively by the Italian government.
The winning emblem of the first competition, by Paolo Paschetto.
Emblem on government letterhead
Emblem on an Italian passport