Naval Pennant of the Holy League from Spain dated around 1571 on display at the Museum of Santa Cruz in Toledo
The Holy League was established in 1571 to counter the advances of the Ottoman Empire. Promoted by Pope Pius V, it was made up of Hapsburg Spain, the Papal States, the Knights of Malta and various Italian States such as the Republic of Venice and the Republic of Genoa.
In the first campaign, the allied navy captained by Don John of Austria, Emperor Charles V’s illegitimate son, achieved an astounding victory at the Battle of Lepanto on 7th of October 1571.
The pennant here shows a large crucifix and at the foot of it the coat-of-arms of Pope Pius V, flanked on the right with coat-of-arms of Spain and on the left, teh Republic of Venice. All three are linked by a golden chain from which hangs the arms of Don John of Austria.
Photographs taken by myself 2019