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Latvijas Pilsetu Gerboni Latvian Civic Heraldry |
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SMILTENE
Origin/meaning :
After conquest of the Talava land of Latgali (Latvian tribe) the Teutonic Order transferred Smiltene settlement to the archbishop of Riga, and he built a castle Smilten here.
In 1427 the town is first time mentioned.
The Northern war (1700-1721) destroyed the town, and it became a manor.
In 19th century Smiltene develop again. In 1920 city rights were granted.
In 1925 the arms were granted: three hills and three silver hawks. Smiltene is situated on hills. Hawks encourage inhabitants of Smiltene to be proud.
Literature : scan from a poster (Latvijas Pilsetu Gerboni); Purens : Latvijas gerbonu gramata (translated by Virginijus Misiunas, Vilnius)
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