Gijón

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GIJÓN

Region/Province : Asturias

Escudo de Gijón/Arms (crest) of Gijón
Official blazon
Spanish Sobre campo de plata, la figura del infante Don Pelayo sobre una pequeña meseta rocosa, portando en la mano izquierda la Cruz de la Victoria a modo de báculo y en la diestra, paralela al cuerpo y dirigida hacia el suelo, la espada desenvainada. Además, la figura de Don Pelayo lleva manto real y casco de cuero, propio de los godos.
English blazon wanted

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on August 12, 1649.

In 1580 it was still mentioned that the city did not have arms. The arms show the figure of Don Pelayo, the local governor who started the reconquest of Spain on the Moors in the 8th century. See also the arms of Asturias province. He originated from the area, hence the city adopted the figure in its arms.

The oldest image shows Don Pelayo as a knight in full armour, with a closed helmet, wearing the cross and a sword. In 1873 he was shown dressed more like a 19th century soldier, still wearing a helmet, but no armour. He now had the sword pointed downwards instead of upwards.

In 1950 the arms were redesigned, now Don Pelayo wore a crown and was standing on a naturally shaped hill. He also wore a wide mantle. The sword was still pointed downwards, but the cross suddenly was enlarged and placed on a long pole. The present arms are nearly identical as the 1950 arms, except that Don Pelayo now stands on a green straight base.

Gijon2.jpg

The arms of 1649, 1973 and 1950.

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© since 1995, Heraldry of the World, Ralf Hartemink Ralf Hartemink arms.jpg
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Literature : Gómez, 1994.