Just like the national anthem and the Head of State, the Flag is a symbol of the Country and an expression of its international legal personality. The flag is usually displayed on public buildings and, in accordance with diplomatic-representation criteria, on the occasion of official ceremonies and events.
The raising of the Italian national flag is governed by orders from the Italian government, where the Vienna Conventions of 1961 (Art.20) and 1963 (Art.29) sanction the possibility of displaying the flag on the Diplomatic Mission and the Consulate building. It is in any case necessary to respect international courtesy, i.e. rules for displaying the flag of the host State. The European flag has been added to the national flag.
Where the flag of the host State is displayed with others, it is customary for the host flag to occupy the place of honour (on the right).
Further Information
General provisions on the use of the flag of the Italian Republic and that of the European Union (in Italian)
Use of the flag on the part of State administrations and public bodies (in Italian)
Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations
Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations Vienna Convention on consular relations