Ourense

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OURENSE - ORENSE

Region : Galicia
Province : Ourense

Escudo de Ourense/Arms (crest) of Ourense
Official blazon
Spanish En campo de plata, sobre ondas de azur y plata, un puente de cinco arcos, de oro, sumado a su diestra de un castillo, también de oro, almenado, mazonado de sable y aclarado de gules, y en su siniestra de un león rampante, de oro, sosteniendo en su diestra una espada, del mismo metal, y en el centro del jefe una corona real cerrada.
English blazon wanted

Origin/meaning

The bridge represents the 1st century A.D. Roman bridge built by the Roman legionnaires who settled the city. It was rebuilt in 1227 A.D. and is now one of the most well-know features of the city. Even today it is quite impressive and well-preserved. It is shown crossing over the waters of the river Miño, which divides the city in half and is the largest river in Galicia. The lion and crown represent the royal charter granted the city during the middle ages and the tower represents the city's medieval fortifications. Interestingly, Ourense was an episcopal city ruled by bishops rather than nobles and therefore autonomous for centuries. It was a major medieval merchant town and was quite prosperous.


Es-1521.jpg

The arms on a stamp
Orense.cap.jpg

The arms on a cigar band
Orense.jpg

The arms in 1985

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© since 1995, Heraldry of the World, Ralf Hartemink Ralf Hartemink arms.jpg
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Literature : de Cadenas, A. A. and de Cadenas, V. : Heraldica de las comunidades autonomas y de las capitales de provincia. Hidalguia, Madrid, 1985.; background by Mike Simpson, USA