Located on the rampart of the ancient walls of Crotone is a splendid sandstone coat of arms depicting the noble arms of Charles V and Viceroy Don Pedro da Toledo. This monumental coat of arms, made in the 16th century, is considered one of the most impressive and largest examples in Europe.

The two-dimensional aedicule in which the coat of arms is inserted sees the upper representation of the royal arms, framed between two pilasters equipped with a base and capital. Below this, we find a second coat of arms, smaller in size, embellished with acanthus giral and rosette ornaments.

The creation of this artifact dates back to April 1546, when a contract was drawn up between the general commissioner of the Royal Fabrica of Crotone, Captain Gaspar de Mardones, and master stonemasons Bartolomeo Fiorentino and Carlo Mannarino of Catanzaro. According to the contract, artisans had to follow strict metric parameters in making the effigy.

The presence of this coat of arms is a tangible symbol of the actions taken by Charles V and Viceroy Don Pedro of Toledo to strengthen Crotone’s defenses in 1546. This renewed interest in fortifications was a response to the frequent Saracen raids. These works greatly engaged the Croton community, which contributed by providing both raw materials and labor.

Currently, unfortunately, the coat of arms is in a less than optimal state of preservation. The sandstone, from which it is carved, shows clear signs of decay, eroded and damaged by weedy vegetation. Some details of the effigy modeling have been lost over time.

Despite its historical significance and importance, no significant steps have currently been taken for its restoration, although in 2018 it was recognized as an asset of “declared cultural interest.”

The monument, owned by the municipality, is easily accessible via a road and is open to the public, although direct access to the coat of arms is not possible.