Ravensburg

Heraldry of the World
Civic heraldry of Germany - Deutsche Wappen (Gemeindewappen/Kreiswappen)

RAVENSBURG

State : Baden-Württemberg
District (Kreis) : Ravensburg
Additions : 1972 : Schmalegg, Taldorf; 1974 Adelsreute, Eschach

Official blazon

In Silber auf gemauerter blauer Konsole eine doppeltürmige blaue Burg mit hochgezogenem Fallgatter; zwischen den Zinnentürmen ein blauer Schild, darin ein silbernes Kreuz mit Tatzenenden.

Origin/meaning

The town was founded by the Lords of Welfen in the 12^th century. It became a free imperial city in the 15^th century and was incorporated in Württemberg in 1810. The arms show a castle, which already appeared on seals from the 13^th century and on the arms in 1400. On a seal from 1270 the small shield with the cross appears. There are two possible origins for the cross. The first is that they are a memory of Konrad of Hohenstaufen, who originated from the area, and who became King of Jerusalem. The cross is the arms of Jerusalem and were placed in the arms to his honour. Another, more likely, explanation is that the cross is the symbol of Duke Welf IV (died 1107) who was a crusader and brought a piece of the cross of Christ back to the monastery in [Weingarten]].