Paczków

PACZKÓW

Province: Opole
County: Nysa

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The arms of the city (German name Patschkau) show the eagle of St. John, the local patron saint. The oldest known seal of the city, dating from 1303 shows a divided shield with the eagle of Upper Silezia and the six fleur-de-lys of the diocese of Wroclaw. The castle was owned by the Dukes of Upper Silezia, whereas the village was ruled by the bishops.

The eagle appeared on a seal from 1328 standing on a ribbon with a motto, most likely part of the Evangelium of St. John. Several 15^th century seals show the eagle on an empty ribbon. On a seal from 1542 the eagle is standing on a small branch. This composition has not changed since, although the colour of the beak and fangs of the eagle has changed regularly, as can be seen from the image of Hupp.