Protocol symbols
Flag
The flag is divided into black and white triangles and has a crown with five towers - gold, because Lisbon is the country's capital. It also has a gold shield and a black boat with a raven on the stern and another on the bow. According to legend, the boat carried the remains of São Vicente, Lisbon's patron saint, and was accompanied on the journey by crows, which showed the way.
Surrounding the shield is the necklace of the Order of the Tower and Sword, a decoration awarded to Lisbon for the support it gave to the establishment of the Republic in 1910. The inscription " Mui Nobre e Sempre Loyal Cidade de Lisboa" (Very Noble and Always Loyal City of Lisbon ) marks the title given to the city by Dom João I for the help of the people of Lisbon in his accession to the throne.
Consult the publication "A Bandeira Municipal de Lisboa: introdução à vexilologia autárquica olisiponense", by Francisco Matos, and find out more about the genesis and development of Lisbon's municipal symbols and colors.
Necklaces
They are worn on solemn occasions by the presidents of the City Council and the Municipal Assembly and by the councillors.
Honor Roll of the City Council
A book intended to perpetuate the visits of sovereigns and heads of state to the very noble and always loyal city of Lisbon.
Honorary Key to the City
A municipal award designed to distinguish national or foreign personalities, institutions or organizations that - due to their prestige, position, action or relationship with Lisbon - are considered worthy of this distinction.
Municipal Medal
It is intended to award personalities or entities of recognized merit, notable services rendered to the city of Lisbon, by natural or legal persons, national or foreign, and also to distinguish the professional qualities, in service, of the employees of the Municipality, the Municipal Police and the Sappers Firefighters Regiment.
The current types of Municipal Medal are as follows: Honor; Merit; Good Service.