Coat of Arms of Valencia: know its history

Coat of Arms of Valencia: History chiseled through heraldry

The Coat of Arms of Valencia is not just an emblem; it is the battle diary of a two-thousand-year-old city. Every element—from the bat to the laurel—is a testament to conquests, loyalties, and milestones of glory.

The first coats of arms

Before the gold and gules lozenge became our hallmark, the city was represented by symbols that spoke of its land and its strategic location:

The Roman shield: A cornucopia surrounded by rays, chosen by the founding legionnaires to represent the wealth and the sun of their new home.
In the medieval period: In the 13th and 14th centuries, Valencia was a walled city above the waves. This shield can be seen today at the Apostles' Gate of the Cathedral.

The design in the 14th century

In 1377, the Consell adopted the King's arms (the Royal Sign of Aragon). Shortly after, Peter IV the Ceremonious added key elements to honor the city's resistance:

The Royal Crown: Crowns the ensemble as a symbol of distinction.
The two "L"s: Located at the base, they represent the two occasions in which Valencia remained "Loyal" (Leal) during enemy sieges. This coat of arms can be seen on buildings from that era, such as the Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda).

17th and 19th centuries: the bat and the laurel

In the 17th and 19th centuries, symbols were added that brought legend and military glory to the coat of arms:

The "Rat Penat" (bat): institutionalized in the 17th century. Legend has it that a bat alerted Jaume I's troops to a surprise attack.
Laurel branches: a concession by Ferdinand VII in recognition of Valencia's heroic resistance against Napoleon's troops in the 19th century.

Where can I find the coat of arms?

It can be found on numerous buildings, such as the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), the North Station (Estación del Norte), the Colón Market, or the City Hall; at the Central Market; on the dome of the Post Office building, the Quart Towers, and even