The Symbols Behind Croatia’s Coat of Arms

The symbols behind Croatia’s iconic coat of arms

At the heart of Croatia’s tricolor flag is the “šahovnica”, the famous red-and-white checkerboard pattern, symbolizing Croatian sovereignty since the Middle Ages.

Above the checkerboard sits a crown of five smaller shields, each representing a historical region of Croatia:

1) the oldest known symbol representing Croatia (1525)

2) the Coat of arms of Dubrovnik, with two red bars instead of four; it was used by Dubrovnik Republic since the 14th century

3) Coat of arms of Dalmatia, it had been in use since at least the 14th century

4) Coat of arms of Istria

5) Coat of arms of Slavonia, 1496 (two silver stripes represent the rivers Drava and Sava, with a running Pine marten in natural colors (“kuna”, former Croatian currency)

Together, they represent the unity of Croatia’s diverse regions and its rich cultural heritage. Adopted officially in 1990, this emblem has come to signify national pride and strength in the face of Croatia’s turbulent history.

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