Bischofsheim an der Rhön

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

BISCHOFSHEIM AN DER RHÖN

State : Bayern
District (Kreis) : Rhön-Grabfeld (until 1973 Bad Neustadt an der Saale)
Additions : 1972 Wegfurt; 1975 Haselbach in der Rhön; 1978 Frankenheim, Oberweißenbrunn, Unterweißenbrunn

Official blazon

In Rot eine silberne Befestigung mit drei blau bedachten silbernen Zinnentürmen; unter wimpergartigem Torbogen in Blau der Kopf eines Bischofs mit silberner Mitra.

Origin/meaning

The town became a city in the 14^th century and the oldest seal also dates from this time. The seal, which has been used for over 500 years, shows the present image, although not in a shield. The head in the lower part may be the local patron saint, St.Kilian, or a canting bishop. In a few later and smaller seals a staff and sword were added to the bishop, which probably indicated the fact that the city at the time belonged to the State and Bishops of Würzburg. In the 19^th century the present arms were restored and based on the oldest seal.