Canton of Geneva

Geneva’s heraldic tradition combines the black imperial eagle with the keys of St. Peter, a motif documented in a seal from 1293 and formalized in the 15th century. The eagle represents Geneva’s imperial freedom, while the keys symbolize ecclesiastical authority, treasury, and responsibility associated with St. Peter and the bishop’s sovereignty. The canton also used a red banner with a white cross as a simpler emblem of its place within the Swiss Confederation.