Osterode am Harz

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OSTERODE AM HARZ

State : Niedersachsen
District (Kreis) : Göttingen (until 2016 Osterode am Harz)
Additions : 1971 Freiheit, Katzenstein, Lasfelde, Petershütte, Schwiegershausen; 1972 Dorste, Förste, Hörden, Lerbach, Nienstedt, Riefensbeek-Kamschlacken

Official blazon

(de) Geteilt von Silber und Rot durch einen goldenen Kleeblattbogen; darauf zwei blaue Türme, der rechte mit roter Kuppel, der linke mit rotem Spitzdach; dazwischen schwebt ein rotes Tatzenkreuz; unten ein linkshin schreitender, blau bewehrter goldener Löwe.

Origin/meaning

Osterode became a city in 1238 by the Welfen family. The first seal, dating from the middle of the 13^th century shows the lion of the Welfen family below a walled city. In 1234 it was mentioned that Osterode had city walls. The cross is probably the sign of St. John Baptist, the patron saint of the city. The arms never really changed through the centuries, except that in the 19^th century a crowned O was placed below the lion.