Portuguese Coat of Arms

Which is the Portuguese coat of arms and what is its meaning?

The portuguese coat of arms is integrated, not centrally, in the National Flag.

Also known as portuguese shield, its meaning is the following:

The armillary sphere, in yellow, was in important astronomical tool used during the Discoveries Period, being also a symbol of the manueline architecture visible on the Hieronymites Monastery and Belém Tower.

The portuguese Coat of Arms represents has five smaller coat of arms in the centre, representing the 5 wounds of Jesus Christ when crucified, these are also a symbol of the D. Afonso Henriques gratitude for the divine victory during the battles to conquest Portugal. The seven castles, around, are considered a symbol of the portuguese victories over the moorish enemies, by D. Afonso III, who conquered seven enemies fortress in Algarve, till 1249.

Find out more information you need to know before your trip to Portugal:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal