Vielha e Mijaran

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VIELHA E MIJARAN

Region : Catalonia
Province : Lleida

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The chief town of Aran valley shows traditionally on its arms a lion rampant Or on Gules (an identifying sign of Vielha arms), the royal arms of Catalonia-Aragon (four pales Gules on Or) and a key Or on Vert. The key is also the symbol of the whole valley, together with the royal arms, because Aran belonged to the Crown. The signification of this key is uncertain: somebody says that it symbolizes the strategic geographical position of the valley, that is one of the entrances to Catalonia; others say that this element is derivated from the book-case of six keys (one for each "terçon", or administrative division of Aran), that kept the documentation and goods of the valley's Government. These arms are not official, but widely used by the local council.