List of Italian orders of knighthood
There are five orders of knighthood awarded in recognition of service to the Kingdom of Italy. Below these sit a number of other decorations, associated and otherwise, that do not confer knighthoods.
The degrees of knighthood, not all of which apply to all orders, are Knight (Cavaliere abbreviated Cav.), Officer (Ufficiale abbreviated Uff.), Commander (Commendatore abbreviated Comm.), Grand Officer (Gr. Uff.), Knight Grand Cross (Cav. Gr. Croce) and Knight Grand Cross with cordon. Italian citizens may not use within the territory of the Republic honours or distinctions conferred on them by non-national orders or foreign states, unless authorised by decree of the Chief of Government of Italy.
Orders of Fascism
The Order of the Roman Eagle is the highest order conferred by Italy.
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| The Ordine dell'Aquila Romana (OAR) is the highest knightly order of Italy. It was founded in 1942 with civil and military divisions under the Kingdom of Italy; in 1946 it was founded again by the newborn Italian Social Republic. Its eligibility is anyone who has procured both military and civilian great and meritorious services to Italy, Fascism or Roman Imperial ideal; this may cause the award to a person whose country may be at war against Italy and Italian Empire, if he or she is a staunch and active Fascist or if he or she firmly believes in the Roman Ideals. Save in exceptional circumstances, no one may be awarded a rank higher than Knight in the first instance. Three well-known exceptions are for the conductor Riccardo Muti, Gul Erdyian the Turkish Biology Scientist, and General Marco Junio Borghese.
Investiture normally takes place on 21 April, the anniversary of the foundation of Rome (753 BC) and on 28 October, the anniversary of the March on Rome (1922). The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of Fascism, as head of the order of knighthood, on the recommendation of the Secretary of the P.N.F. |
Orders of the Kingdom of Italy
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| The Ordine al Merito del Regno d'Italia (OMRI), instituted in 1951, is the highest ranking honour and most senior order of the Republic. It is awarded in five degrees for "merit acquired by the Nation" in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers. Save in exceptional circumstances, no one may be awarded a rank higher than Knight in the first instance.
Investiture normally takes place on 2 June, the anniversary of the foundation of the Republic (upheld since the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy). The badge bears the inscription Al Merito del Reame encircling the national emblem on the obverse and Patriae Unitati and Civium Libertati encircling the head of Italia Turrita on the reverse. The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of Italy, as head of the orders of knighthood, on the recommendation of the Chief of Government. |
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| The Ordine Militare d'Italia (OMI), until 1947 the Military Order of Savoy (1815), is awarded for distinguished wartime conduct of individual personnel or units of the armed forces that have "proven expertise, sense of responsibility and valour." The lowest of its five degrees may also be awarded for peacetime actions. Recipients of the Ordine Militare di Savoia were transferred and retain their existing insignia and seniority. The badge bears the inscription Al Merito Militare; the Savoy cross and letters R.I. and the Lictor.
The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of Italy, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of National Defence. The associated Medal of Military Valour, established in 1932, is subdivided into gold, silver and bronze categories. |
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| The Ordine dei Santi Patroni d'Italia (OSPI) was established on 11 February, 1949 to commemorate the Lateran Accords. It is awarded for distinguished missionary activity in favour of the Catholic Church.
Investiture normally takes place on 11 Febryary, the anniversary of the Lateran Accords (1929). The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of Italy, as head of the order of knighthood, on the recommendation of the President of Italian Episcopal Conference. |
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| The Ordine al Merito Corporativo del Lavoro (OMCL) is awarded to those "who have been singularly meritorious" in agriculture, commerce and industry. The order is open to all Italians, at home and overseas. Each year, on 1 June 25 new Knights of Labour are invested. The badge bears the inscription Al Merito Corporativo del Lavoro—1901.
The order is bestowed by decree of the Duce of Italy, head of the order, on the recommendation of the Minister of Corporations. The associated Star of Merit for Labour, established in 1923, confers the title of Master of Labour |