Learn About the Alfa Romeo Logo

Alfa Romeo owners love driving their new vehicles around Kansas City, MO, and with good reasons. They have fantastic performance specs, a sleek profile, and roaring engines. On the grille of each of these vehicles is the Alfa Romeo logo. When you look at it, do you notice anything about it that seems different? We’ll dive deeper into the Alfa Romeo symbol with our guide. After reading our guide about what the Alfa Romeo badge means, apply for financing to take the next step and head over to our showroom for some test drives! 

Alfa Romeo Logo History

Alfa Romeo traces its origins to Milan in 1910. However, the logo has a much deeper past dating back to Medieval Italy, which is what makes it memorable. Take a close look at it. On the left side of the circle is a red cross with a white background. On the right is the curious part. There is a green serpent, wearing a crown, and it appears the serpent is swallowing a human whole (you can see a man’s head and arms sticking out of the serpent’s mouth). 

That scene looks straight out of a horror movie, but it definitely leaves a lasting impression on anyone who sees it around Wichita, KS.

What Does the Alfa Romeo Badge Mean?

The Alfa Romeo logo is divided vertically into two halves of a circle, a design feature that has remained since 1910. There are two traditional symbols of Milan, where the automaker was founded: the cross of the municipality on the left and the Visconti serpent on the right. 

So, what does the Alfa Romeo badge mean? We’ll tell you now! The meaning of the symbol itself remains a subject of debate, even though it has a rich history.

The Cross of the Municipality

The left half of the logo is associated with the red cross worn by medieval Milanese soldiers during the Crusades. The cross could be a representation of the Cross of St. Ambrose or St. George’s Cross. It’s the cross that symbolizes Milan’s history, and it’s still in use today. 

The Visconti Serpent

The Visconti serpent is the heraldic symbol representing Milan’s Visconti family. Some people say it’s a dragon, but the Alfa Romeo symbol definitely shows a snake eating a human. The snake-eating-man symbol, also known as a Biscione, was the symbol for the influential Visconti family of 11th-century Milan. The family gained control of the city in 1277, and the Biscione became associated with Milan itself. If you ever visit, you’ll see this symbolism on many monuments and buildings all over town. 

The Crown on the Serpent

The crown worn by the serpent supposedly commemorates the Viscontis gaining a dukedom in the 15th century.

The Man Being Devoured 

The man being devoured by the serpent is probably a Saracen or Moor being defeated during the Christian Crusades.

Savoy-Dynasty Knots

The original 1910 logo included two knots dividing “Alfa” and “Romeo” on the logo’s border. A decorative knot used primarily in Italian heraldry, the Savoys were removed from the badge in 1950.

Golden Laurel Crown Border

The Alfa Romeo badge gained a laurel crown border in 1925 when the Alfa Romeo P2 won the inaugural Automobile World Championship. The crown stayed in the design until 1982.

The Alfa Romeo Brand: History

Alfa Romeo was just A.L.F.A. back in 1910, which stands for Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. The Alfa Romeo symbol was meant to represent Milan itself. The Visconti crest, as seen above the door of Castello Sforzesco, the 15th-century castle built by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, became the logo of the car company. It showcases Milan’s place in the automotive world.

When Nicola Romeo took over in 1915, A.F.L.A. became “Alfa Romeo.” By 1920, the logo was modified to read “Alfa Romeo Milano” to signify this new owner. Aside from minor tweaks of the wording, typeface changes, and the laurel wreath, the Alfa Romeo badge design has remained a stalwart of the brand for more than 100 years.

Test Drive a New Alfa Romeo for Sale in Merriam

Now you know a bit of the history behind the brand of high-performance vehicle you’re interested in. Contact us or call 913-270-0499 to schedule a test drive with our team. If you want an SUV, look at the Stelvio. For something with more zip, the Giulia is the way to go as a world-class sedan for your Omaha, NE drives.