galero

The galero is a broad, flat-brimmed, soft felt hat that formed part of the ceremonial dress of certain Roman Catholic clergy. It sits high on the head and is typically suspended by cords that extend behind the skull, from which tassels hang along the sides. The exact color and the number or arrangement of tassels were historically used to signify rank within the hierarchy.

Historically worn from the late medieval period through the early modern era, the galero accompanied other official vestments during important rites such as ordinations, consecrations, and consistories. In ecclesiastical heraldry, the galero is depicted above a prelate’s shield and the color and tassel arrangement convey rank, with red or other colors indicating higher offices and different tassel patterns denoting specific offices.

In modern times the galero is rarely used as everyday clerical dress. Since liturgical reforms in the 20th century, its practical use diminished, and contemporary clerical attire typically features birettas or zucchetti, mpzzozzetta, and other elements rather than the galero. Nevertheless, the hat remains a recognizable symbol in historical portraits, ceremonial recreations, and ecclesiastical heraldry, where it continues to signal rank and tradition within the Catholic tradition. The term itself derives from historical usage in Italian and Latin sources, reflecting its long association with prelate regalia.