Heilbronn

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

HEILBRONN

State : Baden-Württemberg
Urban District (Stadtkreis) : Heilbronn
Additions : 1933 Böckingen, 1938 Neckargartach, Sontheim; 1974 Biberach, Frankenbach, Horkheim, Kirchhausen, Klingenberg

Official blazon

In Gold der rotbewehrte und rotbezungte schwarze Reichsadler mit einem von Rot, Silber und Blau geteilten Brustschild.

Origin/meaning

Heilbronn was founded in 1220 as a Royal city by Emperor Friedrich II. In 1281 it became a free Imperial city. As all free Imperial cities Heilbronn used the Imperial Eagle in its seals. At first the eagle faced left, but since the 14^th century until today the eagle faces right (which is more common).

Most Imperial cities use a breast-shield to distinguish the arms. For Heilbronn a small shield with the letters H and B was used until 1556. In that year the three-coloured shield appears in images and architecture in the city. At first the colours were blue-silver-red, which in the 19^th century were replaced by the present red-silver-blue. The meaning or origin of the colours is not known.