Montblanc

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Spain - Heraldica Española

MONTBLANC

Region : Catalonia
Province : Tarragona

Origin/meaning

The arms are canting: they show traditionally a flory "mont blanc" (Catalan for "white mount"), and the royal arms of Catalonia-Aragon (four red pales on gold). This monumental town (completely surrounded by a medieval wall, with three gates and several towers well preserved) was founded by Ramon Berenguer IV in 1155, and was given its municipal charter by the king Peter II. During the 14th and 15th centuries was residence of the kings several times, and the Parliament met there five times. In 1387 the king John I gave to his brother, the infant Martin (later the king Martin I), the duchy of Montblanc. Then, the crown at the top of the arms should be a duke crown.

These arms are not official, but used by the local council at least since 1320.

Literature : Image and background by Enric Fontvila