Symbols

Coat of Arms of PSR stems from the symbols of three historical territorial units - counties (‚župy‘) – Šariš, Spiš and Zemplín, that existed already in medieval times.

The coats of arms of these units, which date back to the 16^th –17^th century, were used until 1922.

The right side of the coat of arms represents Šariš, the top left part stands for Spiš and the bottom left part for Zemplín.

It was not possible to incorporate historical coats of arms of the counties into the common coat of arms in their entirety. Therefore, the angel carrying the royal crown was left out from the Šariš coat of arms. Thus, what remained was a crown as a commonly accepted symbol of power and impressiveness, and three corrugated stripes symbolising three main Šariš rivers - Torysa, Topľa and Ondava.

Only the lion was taken from the complicated coat of arms of Spiš county – a symbol of courage and strength, located in the first field, in heraldry usually considered the most honourable place. Lions as characters were present also in the coat of arms of the Spiš capital – Levoča already since medieval times.

Only three fishes were adopted from the complicated coat of arms of Zemplín, as they are a typical symbol of the northern part of Zemplín even today. In any case, heraldry has always considered fish as a symbol of happiness and it is also known as an old Christian symbol.

The flag of Prešov Self-Governing Region consists of 4 vertical stripes in following colours:

white (2/6), yellow (1/6), blue (1/6), and red (2/6).

The ratio of flag sides is 2:3. On festive occasions, flag can be used (usually size 120 x 180 cm), created according to the self-government region flag.

Only self-government regional bodies are entitled to use self-government region flag. Other legal entities and citizens can use flags made according to the self-government region flag.

The flag is temporarily publicly raised (hanged) on buildings and public spaces to mark festive occasions mainly of regional importance. The call for festive decorations by Prešov Self-Governing Region flags is published by the relevant authority. The self-government region flag can also be used in public marches and for occasional decorations of public halls interiors.

In case both the Prešov Self-Governing Region flag and state flag of the Slovak Republic are used, these are placed in the same height with the Prešov Self-Governing Region flag placed on the right hand side when looked at from the front view. On mourning occasions the flag is raised at half-mast.

The seal of the self-governing region is round with 45 mm diameter, with the coat of arms of the self-governing region in centre and centrifugal circle writing Prešov Self-Governing Region and the year of the PSR establishing 2002, starting at the bottom. 

Dry seal of the self-government seal is used at originals of commemorative documents, important documents, in case of public honours and other honours given to important persons, etc.