Bellinzona

BELLINZONA

Canton: Ticino
Additions: 2017 Camorino, Claro, Giubiasco, Gnosca, Gorduno, Gudo, Moleno, Monte Carasso, Pianezzo, Preonzo, Sant'Antonio, Sementina

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The arms show the “biscione”, the coat of arms of the Visconti family who conquered Bellinzona during the Middle Ages. The same symbol is seen on the Sforza castle in Milano, after they took over from the Visconti. The serpent, la Taranta, was supposed to be a monster living in the lago Gerundo, near Milan. La Taranta would eat men and children getting near its abode. The founder of the Visconti family is said to have killed the monster and dried up the lake to prevent any recurrence… That is why, sometimes, the biscione has a child in its maul.

Image gallery

Variation of the arms in the Kaffee Hag albums 1914-1960
Variation of the arms in the Kaffee Hag albums 1914-1960
Variation of the arms in the Kaffee Hag albums 1914-1960
Variation of the arms in the Kaffee Hag albums 1914-1960
The arms on a postcard (1900)
The arms on a Dutch tobacco card (+/- 1910)
The arms in the city (source)
The arms in the city (source)
The arms in the city

Literature: Mühlmann, L.: Wappen und Fahnen der Schweiz, Bühler Verlag, Lengnau, 1977 and 1997. Background from Helene Schaufelberger

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