The tricolor flag flying beside the Italian one at the Città di Fiume Refuge is the flag of the City of Fiume (now Rijeka), adopted officially in 1870. It symbolizes identity, belonging, history, and the cultural heritage of Fiume.
Origins and Symbolism
- A red background
- A double-headed Imperial Eagle, wings spread, beaks open, red tongues protruding
- The eagle’s right foot on a stone, left foot on a dark urn pouring water
- The inscription Indeficienter (Inexhaustible hope)
This emblem became the foundation of the city’s visual identity.
The first banner was granted on June 6th, 1659 by Emperor Leopold I of Austria. The coat of arms was described as:
Evolution Through the Centuries
- 1813: Fiume was liberated from French rule; the Austrian flag with the Leopold coat of arms was used.
- 1835: Under Hungarian administration, the eagle was placed on the Hungarian tricolor.
- 1848: A new tricolor design was proposed based on the colors of the coat of arms:
- Carmine red (from the shield)
- Golden yellow (from the frame)
- Ultramarine blue (from the background)
The people of Fiume campaigned for years to have these colors officially recognized.
Official Recognition
In 1870, after persistent public pressure, these colors were finally adopted as the official flag of the City of Fiume, alongside the double-headed eagle.
The D’Annunzio Era and World War II
During the D’Annunzio occupation and from 1924 through WWII, a one-headed eagle version was occasionally used. However, official documents continued to feature the original double-headed eagle, maintaining the link to the Leopold seal.
Note
The Flag of Fiume, preserved through exile and memory, now flies at our refuge as a symbol of identity and resilience.
Link to download the original PDF (if desired):