Inquisition coat of arms

Provenance	Girona
Chronology	18th century
Material	Limestone
Registration	MHJ147
Section	Converso society and Inquisition

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Inquisition had branches throughout the territory, with a corresponding headquarters in the main towns and cities. The exterior of these buildings could feature a large stone coat of arms indicating their purpose and function. It was the symbol and emblem of the Inquisition and featured a cross, a Christian element; a sword, representing the persecution of heresy; and an olive branch, symbolising reconciliation through repentance.
The Inquisition coat of arms on display at the Museum of Jewish History may have been located at the convent of Sant Domènec, the tribunal's headquarters in Girona. It bears the date 1798 and a name: Miquel Tomàs, probably the inquisitorial commissioner that year.

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