One of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world is located in the very heart of Poland. Oddly enough, at the moment it does not have a capital status, although in all respects it is worthy. But the coat of arms of Krakow reflects the centuries-old history, the role of the city as the most important European economic, spiritual and cultural center.
Architecture in life and on the coat of arms
The first mention of Krakow dates back to 965, and it is connected not with the foundation, but with the already fully formed urban settlement. Since 1000, the Diocese of Krakow appears here, and the city itself begins to develop at a rapid pace.
Casimir I, who endowed Krakow with the status of the capital, also transforms the architectural appearance of the city, as many stone defensive structures appear. It was this settlement that became the residence of the Polish kings, from 1241 planned development began, which has survived to this day.
Therefore, it is not at all surprising that a fragment of an old fortress appears on the coat of arms of Krakow. The palette consists of three colors that are considered basic in world heraldry - gold, scarlet and azure. Additionally, silver and black colors are used in the drawing of individual details.
The coat of arms is quite simple, consists, in fact, of the so-called Spanish shield and a crown, located above, above the shield. The most interesting moment for students of heraldry is the image of the fortress, which has the following characteristic details:
- open gate with a raised lattice;
- the image of a silver one-headed eagle;
- three towers with small windows.
It cannot be said that the authors of the sketch of the coat of arms took as a basis a specific architectural structure available in Krakow. Most likely, they created a generalized image of stone medieval buildings.
On the one hand, the fortress symbolizes fighting efficiency, readiness to defend the city and its inhabitants, on the other hand, the open gates of the fortress are an indicator of openness to the world, hospitality, good neighborliness, and friendly attitude towards peoples and countries.
The white eagle is the oldest European symbol
The inhabitants of Krakow are proud not only of their city, but also of their country, which is why an image of the coat of arms of Poland appears on a shield in an open gate, or rather, its main symbol.
The silver eagle on the Krakow heraldic sign is not identical to the state symbol. The image is stylized, but the color of the feathered predator itself (silver) and its individual details - claws, beak, crown are shown in gold.
