A symphony of colors and symbols, the Entwicklung des Meidlinger Wappens Mural isn’t just a pretty facade. It narrates the story of Meidling itself. This mural, right before your eyes, is a tapestry woven from the emblems of five former villages that became the 12th district of Vienna in 1892: Gaudenzdorf, Hetzendorf, Obermeidling, Altmannsdorf, and Untermeidling. Each village contributes a unique emblem to this grand visual tale.
Created in 1957 by Leopold Schmid, the Entwicklung des Meidlinger Wappens Mural isn’t just a static display of heraldry. It depicts the very evolution of Meidling’s coat of arms. For instance, look closely and you’ll find the heart shield representing Untermeidling. This shield itself tells a story. Notice the nymph rising from blue waves, holding silver jugs adorned with blue. This symbolizes the life-giving Vienna River and the famed springs of Theresienbad.
Further down on the shield, you’ll see a rectangular Roman altar stone. This stone, unearthed in 1853, stands as a tangible link to Meidling’s Roman past. The mural even offers a glimpse into the district’s religious history with the depiction of St. John of Nepomuk, the patron saint of the Gaudenzdorf parish. He is shown standing on a silver bridge, a symbol of his protection against floods, a real threat in Meidling’s past due to the Vienna River. Each symbol on this mural, intricately designed and vibrantly colored, whispers tales of Meidling’s rich and layered past. It’s a visual feast that invites you to explore the stories behind the symbols and piece together the fascinating history of this Viennese district.