Altenmarkt bei Fürstenfeld

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Austria - Österreichische Gemeindewappen

ALTENMARKT BEI FÜRSTENFELD

State : Steiermark
District : Fürstenfeld

Origin/meaning : The arms were granted on May 11, 1981.

The blazon refers to local history: The municipality is situated in the east of Steiermark, a region that was often invaded by the Hungarian neighbours in medieval times. The local ruler, the Duke of Styria, was of course interested in settling the region again and founded a town there, Fürstenfeld. He also encouraged the founding of villages and colonising the land.

The municipality was apparently inhabited before this, being called Altenmarkt bei Fürstenfeld (literally: the old market near the field of the prince). So, the Styrian coat of arms (the panther) was displayed in its oldest known colours.

The lower half of the arms shows cross of the Order of Malta indicating that the Order has had possessions in the region since the 13^th century.