Golden Eagle of Schonbrunn Palace Vienna Austria

The Golden Eagle at the entrance of Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, looked grand against the blue sky.

There are two Vienna eagles, installed on top of two long pillars at the gates of Schonbrunn Palace leading into a huge courtyard. The two obelisks on either side are crowned by the eagles which the Emperor Napoleon is reported to have had erected.

They have such streamlined, sleek, chiseled look, that it is impossible to ignore them. The sun shone on them, illuminating them gloriously and the glitter attracted attention from far.

Golden Eagle at the entrance of Schonbrunn Palace Vienna

Significance of Eagle Symbol

The eagle is symbolic of authority, ownership and virility; probably that is why the statues of these creatures are installed in places of power and importance.

Eagles have consistently served as powerful and widely recognized symbols throughout history. Revered as the “kings of the sky,” these majestic birds have been adopted by ruling families as a representation of their authority, dominance, and unwavering strength. The regal and untamed nature of the eagle embodies the aspirations and might of those seeking to project their power and influence upon the world.

Eagles are one of the most popular symbols of patriotism, and are revered by many cultures as symbols of strength and power, and are often associated with wisdom. Eagles are also associated with wisdom and knowledge.

The Austrian-Hungarian eagle in Vienna is unique. It is a two headed eagle. One may assume that this doubled-headed eagle represents the dual Austrian-Hungarian monarchy.

Also see: Neptune Fountain in Schonbrunn Palace

entrance of Schonbrunn Palace

Column Eagle Monument

History of Vienna Eagle

The eagle has held symbolic significance throughout history, starting with its use by the Romans as a representation of their power during antiquity, albeit with a single head. In the subsequent years, the Holy Roman Empire adopted a single-headed eagle as its heraldic animal.

Following the fall of the western Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire adopted the eagle but added a second head. This double-headed eagle symbolized both the physical and spiritual authority of the Byzantine Emperor, as well as an aspirational claim to power in both the East and the West.

However, the double-headed eagle resurfaced in the late Middle Ages, signifying the distinction between royal and imperial status. The two heads represented the royal (königliche) and imperial (kaiserliche) spheres of influence.

Double headed eagle - Austrian Symbol

Double headed eagle – Austrian Symbol

After the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the Habsburgs continued to utilize the double-headed eagle (albeit with minor modifications) for the Austrian empire, thus reinforcing the connection to their historical ties. With the establishment of the dual monarchy in 1867, the double-headed eagle came to be associated with the two halves of the empire, despite its usage predating this period.

Throughout its evolution, the double-headed eagle has served as a potent symbol of power, dynastic continuity, and territorial aspirations. Its enduring presence in various historical contexts underscores its enduring significance and the timeless allure of this majestic creature.

You will like these

Pin this for later

Eagle Monument Vienna

Faces of India - 31 Tourist from Hampi keen to be Clicked
Ankeruhr Vienna, Anker Clock with Human Figures

35 Responses to “Golden Eagle of Schonbrunn Palace Vienna Austria

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.