Zürich

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Switzerland - Schweizer Wappen / Armorial de Suisse

ZÜRICH

Canton : Zürich
Additions : 1893 Aussersihl, Enge, Fluntern, Friesenberg, Hirslanden, Hottingen, Industriequartier, Leimbach, Oberstrass, Riesbach, Schwamendingen, Triemli, Unterstrass, Wiedikon, Wipkingen, Witikon, Wollishofen; 1934 Affoltern, Albisrieden, Altstetten, Höngg, Oerlikon, Seebach

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The arms are probably derived from the banner of the city, which was divided per bend silver and blue. The oldest use of the divided shield as arms of the city or canton dates from 1389, when it appears as a small shield in the seal of the Court of Zürich (see below).

The oldest known seal with the arms of Zürich in the base of the seal.

Seals of the city are known since 1225 and 1347 and show the local patron saints Fellix and Regula.

The colours are known since 1437, and during the 15^th century the silver and blue arms appear all over the Canton. The arms have never really changed since, see also the cantonal arms.

The city often uses a mural crown and two lions as supporters to distinguish the arms from the cantonal arms, but normally Swiss town and municipal arms are shown without any additional attributes.