Manhole cover in Munich

Manhole cover in Munich, Germany

The manhole covers in Munich display the “Münchner Kindl”. It is a character you also see in the city arms. Though in the Bavarian dialect, Münchner Kindl literally means Munich child, the original meaning of the figure was a monk or friar.

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Commandantenhus Stralsund

Coat of arms on the Commandantenhus in Stralsund

The Commandantenhus was built as the administrative seat of the Swedish garrison commander in the years 1748-1751. Together with other historical buildings, it adorns the Alte Markt (Old Market Square) of Stralsund. A striking allusion to its former function is the large coat of arms in its gable field. [German]

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Manhole cover in Rostock

Manhole cover in Rostock, Germany

The manhole covers in Rostock display the city arms. The coat of arms dating back to 1367 depicts a golden gryphon of a blue field (representing the former princes of Rostock). Bars of silver and red represent the colours of the Hanseatic League. As a member of the Hanseatic League, the city is named Hansestadt Rostock. [German]

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Manhole cover in Graz

Manhole cover in Graz, Austria

The manhole covers in Graz show the city arms. It is a Panther with flames from all body openings. The depiction is similar to the Styrian coat of arms. However, the modern Styrian Panther has horns and only one flame from his mouth. [German]

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Manhole cover in Coburg

Manhole cover of Coburg, Germany

The manhole covers in Coburg show the city’s arms. They display the head of Saint Maurice, the patron of Coburg. This depiction of him is known as Coburger Mohr (Coburg Moor). According to legend, Saint Maurice died as leader of the Theban Legion, a martyr’s death in the 3rd century. [German]

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