Schwäbisch Gmünd

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SCHWÄBISCH GMÜND

State : Baden-Württemberg
District (Kreis) : Ostalbkreis (until 1973 Schwäbisch Gmünd)
Additions : 1938 Rehnenhof-Wetzgau; 1959 Bettringen; 1969 Herlikofen, Hussenhofen; 1971 Bargau, Degenfeld, Lindach, Weiler in den Bergen ; 1972 Grossdeinbach, Strassdorf; 1975 Rechberg

Official blazon

In Rot ein aufgerichtetes silbernes Einhorn.

Origin/meaning

The city was founded around 1160 by the Staufen family, Dukes of Schwaben. In 1260 the city became a free imperial city until 1803.

The unicorn already appears on the first known seal of the city, dating from before 1250. Ever since the seals and arms of the city have shown the unicorn. The meaning or origin of the unicorn are not clear, however. The first coloured images show a golden unicorn, since the early 17^th century the unicorn is silver, sometimes still with a golden horn.