Banner of the Holy League

This is a reproduction of the banner of the Holy League, which is housed in Toledo Cathedral. It was carried by the Galera Real (Royal Galley), commanded by John of Austria at the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571.

It is made from blue damask with gold embroidery. It contains a depiction in oil of Christ crucified, with the coat of arms of Pope Pius V below. The coat of arms of the city of Venice is on the right-hand side, and the coat of arms of the Emperor Charles V on the left. The coats of arms of the Pope and of John of Austria appear at the bottom. The shields are all interlinked with chains symbolizing the alliance of the powers that formed the League. The banner was made in Naples, in line with the standards established from the 15th century onward. The back has been lost as a result of attempts to restore it over the centuries.

The copy was made by Rafael Monleón, as attested by his signature which appears in the lower left-hand corner with the words “R. Monleón 1888.”