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Heraldica Española - Spanish Civic Heraldry

MADRID

Origin/meaning:
Madrid was a Moorish fortress, which was taken by Alfonso VI of Castille in 1083. It was made the capital of Spain by Philips II in 1561. The arms date from the 13^th century and seem to symbolise some dispute over farming rights between the clergy and the civilians of the city. During the 19^th and 20^th century a sometimes a dragon and a wreath were added (see below).

The dragon was seen on the top of "Puerta Cerrada" (The western Gate of the town) during the Middle ages until the XVII century. Nobody knows the meaning of it. The wreath symbolises a medal given to the people of Madrid by the Spainsh Congress in 1813 because of the people's revolution against the French troops during the invasion by Napoleon.

The oldest arms of Madrid, known from 1212 show a walking bear, with some stars on its back. In 1222 two different arms were used, one quartered with the old bear and two towers, as well as the present arms.

Later the arms remained unchanged until the 19^th century as mentioned above. However, on an image from 1544, the crown appeared in the shield instead of above.

Literature : de Cadenas, A. A. and de Cadenas, V. : Heraldica de las comunidades autonomas y de las capitales de provincia. Hidalguia, Madrid, 1985; Louda, J. : European Civic Heraldry. Hamlyn, London, 1966; info provided by Ricardo Roncero, Spain and Rafael Portell.

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