Portuguese National Coat of Arms: Shield, Castles, Armillary Sphere, and Olive Branches

The coat of arms used by Portugal is featured on the country's flag.

Overview

Its composition combines a central shield with a decorative outer border and supporting elements placed behind the shield. Major components are:

• Shield field: a background of silver hosting five smaller shields.
• Arrangement: those five shields are set upon a blue cross, each of the small shields showing five round plates arranged in saltire.
• Bordure: the main shield is surrounded by a red rim charged with seven golden triple-towered castles.
• Support and ornament: behind the shield sits an armillary sphere, flanked by two olive branches bent inward and tied at the base with a ribbon in green and red.

These elements together form the national heraldic emblem displayed on official banners and many state symbols.