Nysa

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Poland - Herbarz Miast Polskich

NYSA

Province: Opole
County : Nysa

Origin/meaning

The arms of the city (German name Neisse) show 6 fleur-de-lys and are based on the arms of the Bishops of Wroclaw, who ruled the city for many centuries.
The oldest seal (known since 1260) shows a castle, with in the gate a crosier. A second seal (1290) showed only a tower, whereas a slightly younger seal showed a tower with in the gate the local patron saint, St. John Baptist and a bishop.
On the next seal a small shield with the three fleur-de-lys for the diocese of Wroclaw (Breslau) was placed in front of the figures.
The next seal only showed the saint flanked with two fleur-de-lys, whereas since the 15^th century the seals showed the saint with Agnus Dei and two small shields. This combination was used until the end of the 20th centrury when it was replaced by the more simplified shield above.