Freiburg im Breisgau

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

FREIBURG IM BREISGAU

State : Baden-Württemberg
Urban District (Kreisfreie Stadt) : Freiburg im Breisgau
Additions : 1826 Wiehre; 1890 Günterstal, Haslach; 1906 Zähringen; 1908 Betzenhausen; 1914 Littenweiler; 1938 Sankt Georgen; 1971 Lehen, Opfingen; 1972 Waltershofen; 1973 Tiengen, Munzingen, Hochdorf; 1974 Ebnet, Kappel; 1978 Mundenhof

Official blazon

In Silber ein durchgehendes rotes Kreuz.

Origin/meaning

Freiburg was already a city in the early 13^th century. The oldest seals, dating from the early 13^th century until 1368, all shows a city wall with three towers, on both the left and right tower a soldier, and above the towers four stars and a fleur-de-lis. In 1368 the city became an Austrian possession, and the cross appeared as the city arms. The arms thus have not changed since. The cross is the symbol of St. George, the patron saint of the city. Prior to 1368 the city used the red cross on its banner, but not on the seal or as arms.

Sometimes an eagle's or raven's head has been shown as city arms, but this was merely the symbol on the local coins, and has never been used as the coat of arms of the city.