World traveler. . .
The Lions and Castles flag is representative of the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain during the 15th century. It is also known as the Flag of Castile and León — Ferdinand of León, and Isabella of Castile. The banner was flown over the ships of several influential explorers, including Columbus (West Indies), Ponce de León (Florida), and Balboa (Pacific Ocean). The Lions and Castles banner is also the first to have sailed around the world, as Magellan’s landmark expedition sailed beneath it.
The Lions and Castles flag is a quartered banner with repeating fields. In the upper left and lower right quadrants, a yellow castle is displayed on a field of red. In the upper right and lower left quadrants, a fighting, red lion with a crown of gold is displayed on a field of white. The many historic variations of this banner and those that followed — to include representations of increased territorial gains — may feature slight variations on the appearance of the castle or lion.
The Lions and Castles flag bore witness to much of the wonder and discovery of human history. You can order your replica of the Flag of Castile and León here.
