Uri

Capital: Altdorf
Joined the Confederation: 1291
Official language: German
Population: approx. 37'000
Municipalities: 19

Uri is a Swiss canton with capital Altdorf, which joined the Confederation in 1291. Explore the cantonal coat of arms and collect the crests of its municipalities.

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Blazon

Or, a bull's head caboshed sable, ringed and langued gules.

Origin & meaning

The bull's head is canting arms: the name “Uri” was early linked to the aurochs (Latin urus). The beast appears on the land's banners and seals from the 13th century, standing for strength and independence.

Its modern form — a black head on gold with a red nose-ring and tongue — was standardised in the 19th century.

The flag

The cantonal flag is square — like every Swiss cantonal flag — bearing the black bull's head on a yellow field.

Sources

Mühlemann, L. (1991). Wappen und Fahnen der Schweiz. Bühler-Verlag.
Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz — «Uri (Kanton)».

Neighbouring cantons

Municipalities

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