These heraldic eagles are three-headed! Why?
If you thought you saw a three-headed eagle sitting on a column somewhere in St. Petersburg, know this: you actually did!
Since the 15th century, the symbol of Russia has been a double-headed eagle with a scepter and orb in its talons. But, in the 17th century, among the regalia of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich was a scepter with… a three-headed eagle. But, not at all because the country's symbols changed during his reign. It's all about the angle.
Strictly speaking, the three-headed eagles were depicted so that two heads could be seen from any side. If you look closely at the eagles on the fence of the Alexander Column on Palace Square, you will be amazed to realize that the heraldic birds really do have three heads.
By the way, they also have three talons: in them they hold a scepter, orb and sword. But, from whatever angle you look, the eagle will appear double-headed.
The same birds adorn the telegraph tower of the Winter Palace, the Suvorov Museum (the local eagles are armed with two swords and an orb), as well as the Church of the Savior on Blood and the coat of arms of the large Peterhof Palace.
