Portugal’s current flag was officially adopted in 1911 and represents the country’s transition from a monarchy to a republic.
Green: symbolises hope for the future and also the revolution that led to the establishment of a republican government in the country.
Red: symbolises the blood lost in battle, and the blood of those who gave their lives to protect the country at different moments in its history.
Celestial globe: symbolises the Age of Discovery, an important period in Portuguese history. The celestial globe was an opportunity to show the position of the stars in the sky and had a very important role in navigation. Portugal reached the Americas before the 15th century and was considered a pioneer nation in long-distance maritime exploration. The celestial globe is therefore a symbol of great achievement.
Red Shield Castle: represents the seven castles and fortresses in the Algarve. It symbolises the recapture of areas previously occupied by the Moors.
Blue shield: symbolises the five Moorish kings defeated by Portugal’s first king, Afonso I.
White dots on the blue shield: symbolises the five wounds of Christ.
The Portuguese flag is closely associated with historical battles and beliefs.
