Västergötland's Country Coat of Arms

A beautiful drawing with the heraldic coat of arms for the province of Västergötland from the 19th century. In the coat of arms is a lion in gold and black.

The lion in Västergötland's coat of arms dates back to the 13th century. The first known depiction of the coat of arms is from 1562. The coat of arms, like many other regional coats of arms, was present at Gustav Vasa's funeral procession in 1560.

Västergötland's coat of arms is part of Västra Götaland's county coat of arms, together with Gothenburg's city coat of arms and Bohuslän's and Dalsland's regional coat of arms. Previously, Västergötland's coat of arms was also used by Skaraborg county and was included with Dalsland's regional coat of arms in the coat of arms for Älvsborg county.

Västergötland is rich in cultural heritage, from ancient Stone Age tombs and Bronze Age carvings to medieval churches and castles. The area has also been a central part of Sweden's industrialization, especially the Gothenburg area with its port, which has been an important trading place since the 17th century.

The text above the coat of arms reads: Coat of Arms of Vestergötland. At the bottom left it says: "Sweden's National and Country Coat of Arms. Established by the Royal Majesty. After drawings by Prof. M. AD. Hildebrandt in Berlin. Published by Carl Arvid Klingspor."