What Is the Coat or Arms of Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

If you have ever visited Madrid, you might have come across the Coat of Arms of Madrid. The coat of arms is a symbol that represents the city and its history. In this article, we will take a closer look at what the Coat of Arms of Madrid represents and its significance.

What is a Coat of Arms?

Before we dive into the details of the Coat of Arms of Madrid, let’s understand what a coat of arms is. A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design that was used to identify knights in battle and tournaments during the medieval period. It consists of different elements such as shields, crests, supporters, mottos, and symbols that represent a particular family, city or country.

The History Behind the Coat of Arms of Madrid

The Coat of Arms of Madrid has an interesting history behind it. The original coat of arms consisted of seven white stars on a blue background. This was because Madrid was once considered one of the seven most powerful cities in Spain during the medieval period.

However, in 1967, this design was modified to include other elements that represented the city’s rich history and culture. The current design consists of a shield divided into seven parts with different emblems representing various historical regions and kingdoms that once ruled over Madrid.

The Elements in the Coat Of Arms

  • The Bear and The Strawberry Tree: One of the most notable emblems in the coat of arms is the bear standing against a strawberry tree. This emblem has been used since ancient times to represent Madrid.
  • The Royal Crown: The Royal Crown signifies that Madrid was once under royal rule.
  • The Castle: The castle represents Castile which used to be an important kingdom during medieval times.
  • The Lion: The lion represents Leon which was another important kingdom in medieval times.
  • The Chain: The chain represents the Kingdom of Navarre which was an important region in medieval times.
  • The Stripes: The red and white stripes represent the Kingdom of Aragon.
  • The Fleur-de-Lis: The fleur-de-lis represents the House of Bourbon, a royal family that ruled over Spain in the 18th century.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Coat of Arms of Madrid is a unique symbol that represents the city’s rich history and culture. It is not just a design but also tells a story about how Madrid evolved through various historical periods. Understanding its significance can help us appreciate Madrid’s history and culture even more.