The History of San Marco and His Lion: The Icon of Venice
If you’ve ever wandered through Venice, you’ve likely noticed the city’s most famous symbol: the winged lion of Saint Mark. Whether perched atop columns in Piazza San Marco, adorning the façades of ancient palaces, or watching over the city from golden mosaics, this majestic creature is everywhere. But how did the lion of Saint Mark become the ultimate emblem of Venice? The story blends history, legend, and the rise of one of the most powerful maritime republics. Here is our guide to the history of San Marco and his lion.
Who Was San Marco?
Saint Mark, one of the four Evangelists, is believed to have authored the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament. According to Christian tradition, he spread Christianity in Alexandria, Egypt, where he was martyred in 68 AD. His symbol—a winged lion—originates from the biblical description of four winged creatures, each representing one of the Evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Mark’s lion, often depicted with a book reading Pax Tibi Marce Evangelista Meus (“Peace be upon you, Mark, my Evangelist”), came to represent power, wisdom, and divine protection.
The Connection Between San Marco and The Lion
The winged lion became the symbol of San Marco (Saint Mark) and Venice due to both religious tradition and historical circumstances.
Religious Significance
The winged lion is one of the four symbols of the Evangelists (the authors of the Gospels). According to Christian tradition, each Evangelist is associated with a specific creature:
- Matthew → A man (or angel)
- Mark → A winged lion
- Luke → A winged ox
- John → An eagle
Saint Mark’s symbol, the lion, comes from the Book of Ezekiel (1:10) and the Book of Revelation (4:7), where these four creatures are described as part of a divine vision. The lion represents strength, courage, and majesty, qualities that Venetians admired.
Why Did Venice Adopt It?
Venice adopted the winged lion as its emblem because of the city’s connection to Saint Mark. According to legend, when Saint Mark was travelling through the Venetian Lagoon, an angel appeared to him and said:
“Peace be with you, Mark, my Evangelist. Here your body will rest.”
Venetians later interpreted this as a divine prophecy, justifying their claim to Saint Mark’s relics.
How Did Saint Mark Become Venice’s Patron Saint?
Venice wasn’t always associated with Saint Mark. In its early days, the city’s patron was Saint Theodore, but everything changed in 828 AD. That year, two Venetian merchants—Rustico da Torcello and Buono da Malamocco—travelled to Alexandria and, fearing that Mark’s relics might fall into Muslim hands, smuggled them out of Egypt. According to legend, they hid the saint’s body under layers of pork to discourage Muslim customs officials from inspecting their cargo.
When the relics arrived in Venice, the city declared Saint Mark its new patron. The construction of St. Mark’s Basilica began soon after, designed to house the saint’s remains. From that moment, Venice became the city of Saint Mark, and his lion became its ultimate symbol.
The Lion of Saint Mark: More Than Just a Symbol
Venice was not just a city; it was a republic, an empire, and a maritime powerhouse. As the Venetian Republic (La Serenissima) expanded its influence across the Mediterranean, so did the lion of Saint Mark. The symbol became synonymous with Venetian authority and was displayed on flags, fortresses, and official documents throughout the empire.
The lion took on different meanings depending on how it was depicted:
- With an open book – Representing peace and prosperity, often seen in Venice and during times of stability.
- With a sword – Signifying war and military power, found in places where Venice needed to assert dominance.
Wherever the Venetians ruled—from Crete to Cyprus, Dalmatian coasts to the Ionian Islands—the lion of Saint Mark followed. Today, you can still spot these winged lions in former Venetian territories, silent reminders of the Republic’s vast reach.
Where to See the Lion of Saint Mark in Venice
If you’re visiting Venice, keep an eye out for the lion of Saint Mark in these iconic spots:
- Piazza San Marco – The heart of Venice, where the basilica’s golden mosaics and the famous column in front of the Doge’s Palace proudly display the winged lion.
- The Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio) – Look up to see a grand blue-and-gold depiction of Saint Mark’s lion above the clock.
- The Arsenal Gates – The lion stands guard over Venice’s historic shipyard, once the backbone of its naval power.
- Scuola Grande di San Marco – This stunning Renaissance building near the hospital features intricate lion carvings.
Even outside Venice, in cities that were once under Venetian rule—such as Verona, Corfu, and Kotor—you’ll find Saint Mark’s lion watching over squares and harbours.
Why Does the Lion Still Matter Today?
The lion of Saint Mark isn’t just a relic of the past—it continues to define Venice’s identity. From the city’s flag to its football team (Venezia FC), the symbol remains a proud emblem of Venetian heritage. Every year on April 25th, Venetians celebrate both Saint Mark’s feast day and their cultural legacy with parades, events, and the tradition of giving a rose (bòcolo) to loved ones.
For travellers, the lion of Saint Mark is more than just an artistic motif—it’s a gateway into the fascinating history of a republic that ruled the seas for centuries. So next time you’re strolling through Venice, take a moment to admire these winged guardians. They’re more than just statues; they’re storytellers of a glorious past.
If you want to see the beautiful statues of the San Marco Lion from the water on an intimate boat tour, just drop us a message on Vidal Venice Tours by clicking here!