The history of a flag: St. George, Genoa and the English people

The flag of Genoa, or Banderia de Zena in Genoese dialect, is one of the city's oldest and most distinctive symbols. It has a centuries-old history involving saints, dragons, and one of the most powerful fleets that ever sailed the seas of the world. But let’s start from the beginning.

St. George's cross

The flag of La Superba - Genoa according to Petrarch - depicts the so-called "Cross of St. George," a Christian symbol representing the patron saint of the city, known for the legend of the battle with the dragon. St. George was indeed the young Roman Christian soldier who, in the third century A.D., defeated the monster to which the population was forced each month to sacrifice a young girl or virgin to appease its hunger.

The period of terror in which the city of Silene lived ended when the saint appeared, riding his horse, holding a spear with which he attacked and killed the dreadful dragon. The legend of St. George and the dragon is often interpreted as a symbol of the struggle between good and evil, with St. George representing the Christian faith and the dragon symbolizing the forces of evil and paganism.

The flag of Genoa

A red cross on a white background, also known as the "Standard of St. George," the flag of Genoa dates back to the 12th century (at least), and is associated with the Republic of Genoa, one of the Italian maritime city-states that had considerable influence in the Mediterranean area during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In addition to the story of St. George and the dragon, the symbol also refers to another strongly evocative legend, dating back to 320 AD: Constantine the Roman Emperor, before the battle of Ponte Milvio, had a dream where he saw the Cross in the sky with the inscription "you will win with this sign!" And so it was.

The flag, therefore, represents a strong reference to Christianity, as well as to the famous "crusades": during this period, in fact, many European cities and states sent troops and supplies to support Christian efforts to take the Holy Land from Muslim rule back. Genoa, like other Italian maritime city-states, played a significant role in this context, mainly through its fleets and its involvement in maritime trade.

The relationship between Genoese and English people

There are many myths, and even "fake news," revolving around the relationship between Genoese and English people, and the history of a common flag. The most credited version has it that Richard the Lionheart asked the Genoese Republic for permission to use the banner of St. George on the condition that "a tribute" would take place every year. This is because, according to the legend, in 1190 the king asked the Genoese for ships, sailors, admirals and escorts to transport his army to Jerusalem.

During the crossing he noticed that Muslims, Spaniards, French and Catalans were trying to avoid them. Intrigued, he asked the expedition commander why, and he told him how widespread was the belief on the seas about which anyone who dared to start a battle against a wood defended by such a symbol would face a certain death.

Actually, the story has a part of truth in it except that the symbol (not necessarily red and white) was adopted by many of the political entities that participated in the crusades, including indeed Genoa, but also England, since Richard the Lionheart was among the Christian principals of the Third Crusade.

Therefore, Genoa and its flag is characterized by a millennial history of saints, dragons, ship battles, dreams, and legends. The secrets and wonders that reside between the sea and the lands of the city are rooted in a glorious past that deserves space and prestige, even in our chaotic present.