Bellinzona

BELLINZONA

Canton : Ticino
Additions: 2017 Camorino, Claro, Giubiasco, Gnosca, Gorduno, Gudo, Moleno, Monte Carasso, Pianezzo, Preonzo, Sant'Antonio, Sementina

Arms (crest) of Bellinzona

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The arms show the “biscione”, the coat of arms of the Visconti family who conquered Bellinzona during the Middle Ages. The same symbol is seen on the Sforza castle in Milano, after they took over from the Visconti. The serpent, la Taranta, was supposed to be a monster living in the lago Gerundo, near Milan. La Taranta would eat men and children getting near its abode. The founder of the Visconti family is said to have killed the monster and dried up the lake to prevent any recurrence… That is why, sometimes, the biscione has a child in its maul.

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© since 1995, Heraldry of the World, Ralf Hartemink  
Index of the site Mühlmann, L. : Wappen und Fahnen der Schweiz, Bühler Verlag, Lengnau, 1977 and 1997. Background from Helene Schaufelberger