Significance of Logo- Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo Logo Meaning and History

There have always been lots of myths and legends around the origin of Alfa Romeo official logo. Though popular Italian Automaker was founded in 1910, its badge was changed and evolved numerous times throughout its long history. That is why it is rather hard to speak about the origin of the badge taking into account lots of different versions. We will try to stick to the facts.

It is commonly known that the logo was created on the base of Visconti family coat of arms. At the same time it has a background in form of the Red Cross which is a symbol of Milan. At the same time it is said that cross was used in order to commemorate Giovanni Da Rio who was the first one to erect the cross while climbing the Jerusalem wall during crusade. That is why some people say that the badge is mainly a shield which is reversed over the Castello Sforzesco located in Milan.

This is probably the hardest part of the puzzle provided by Alfa Romeo badge. From this point everything is a bit easier and clearer for understanding. A.L.F.A stands for Anomina Lombarda Fabrica Automobili. The first version of the badge appeared in 1915. It had Alfa letters written on the top of the logo. Two figures of eight knots were placed in the middle of the badge and Milano underneath the composition. However it was changed 5 years later depicting Alfa Romeo writing over Mila no red cross which was located at the bottom. After Alfa models won numerous racing titles and competitions it was decided to mark this fact on the logo of the company which featured gold trim for encompassing the badge. In 1927 it was changed again and trim disappeared from major Italian automaker and later returned.

Apart from all changes it still keeps heraldic spirit and looks rather ancient and classy. This is probably why it is in top of the most recognizable badges of all times. In addition it has always attracted auto fans and gourmets with its mysterious and myths related to the origin of the badge. During its history and development it also received several new elements including a giant snake which eats a man. Let’s try to figure out what it means and reveal all secrets of Alfa Romeo logo.

Logo Description

As we had already mentioned Alfa logo has a very strong historical background featuring heraldic ancient elements. The Red Cross as one of the main elements is supposed to be associated with Milan. This symbol was often used after Crusades. On the other hand Red Cross is widely spread among other Christian symbols.

A biscione is one of the most controversial elements in Alfa badge. At the same time logo depicts a man which can be described as a child which is also known as Saracen or Moor. In other words the whole scene describes crusaders’ defeat which sounds a bit strange.

Representatives of the company are not eager to recall those times and give the exact definition of their logo telling it is nothing more but an ancient city.

Shape of the Alfa Romeo Symbol

Alfa Romeo badge is made in round shape which encloses heraldic Red Cross, huge snake eating a man and golden Alfa Romeo letters which are located on the top of the circle. Milano writing is underneath. Nothing is known for sure about the fact why the founder chose such shape for his company’s logo. Nevertheless it is still one of the most recognizable badges not only in Italy but also in the rest of the world.

Colour of the Alfa Romeo Emblem

Several colours are used in Alfa logo including white and blue background. Some colours reflect ancient sacred meanings which were used in Christian religion during crusades. The Red Cross is a good example of such symbol which is also associated with Milan and crusaders. Green snake eating a man that can be interpretation of a modern child which symbolizes the defeat of crusades which looks rather strange on the background of Italian history and symbolism.

Several logo versions were made with gold trim in order to commemorate numerous racing titles and wins throughout brand’s successful racing history. However the idea was not very popular and in two years after gold letters were introduced they were removed from the badge.